Clinton County's 2007 Relay for Life cancer prevention fundraiser will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and continue all night, as teams dedicated to funding cancer prevention research keep one member on the track and walking until the closing ceremony at 6 a.m. Saturday morning.

The opening ceremony will include the traditional Survivors Lap in which those who have beaten cancer walk the first lap, and also a Caregivers Walk immediately following.

Children's Hour starts at 7 p.m., along with the Flush Out Cancer golf contest, and Smart Shop.

Team captains will take the track at 8 p.m. for a ceremonial lap, and the Luminaria Ceremony begins at 9 p.m.

Teams will be able to earn spirit points by completing a boxer shorts lap at 10 p.m. Water balloon volleyball starts at 11 p.m., with first and second places awarded. There will also be a Poker Lap at 11 with the winning poker hand earning 25 spirit points.

As night wears into day, there will be a Relay Fun Facts lap at 1 a.m., a doughnut eating contest at 2 a.m., a Crazy Socks/Shoes lap at 3 a.m., a Ski chugging contest at 4 a.m., along with a Pajama Party lap, and breakfast provided by Hardee's in Breese at 5 a.m. The event will conclude with closing ceremonies at 6 a.m.

Team tents will be judged throughout the event, and Short Circuit and Live Wire will provide deejay and karaoke entertainment all night long.

A Trenton Boy Scout will be among 2400 Scouts and leaders comprising the American contingent who will attend the 21st World Jamboree to be held in England. Joe Spihlman of Troop 39 chartered to Jim's Formal Wear has been selected as one of the young men and women who will represent the Boy Scouts of America and the Okaw Valley Council at the quadrennial event. The Jamboree will be held July 27- August 8, 2007, a Hylands Park, Chelmsford, England hosted by the Scout Association of the United Kingdom. Gilwell Park, the home of Scouting in the UK, is close to both Hylands Park and London. Using the theme "One World, One Promise". Scouts will test skills with teanage youth from many lands, take part in competitive events, and enjoy the fellowship and pageantry of World Scouting. Jamboree activities will include touring London prior to returning home.

Steve Spihlman, Scoutmaster of Troup No. 39 noted that the world gathering of some 40,000 Scouts, Venturers, leaders, and staff from 155 countries is designed to be a "dramatic demonstration of Scouting's ability to develop world brotherhood, a spirit of fellowship, and a source of understanding among young people of all races, creeds, and nationalities.

Spihlman is one of 3 scouts who will attend from the Okaw Valley Council. Spihlman, a Junior at Wesclin High School and sone of Steve and Kathy Spihlman of Trenton.

Spihlman is an Eagle Scout and a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow who has atteded the 2005 National Scout Jamboree and Philmont High Adventure Base in New Mexico in 2006.

The last World Jamboree was held in 2003 on a Pacific Ocean beach in Thailand. The first was in England in 1920. Only one, in 1967, has been held in the United States; then 12,000 youth from 105 countries camped at Farragut State Park in norther Idaho.

Trenton will move forward with its park grant project, after city council members on Monday indicated their approval to give Doug Ratermann of HMG Engineers in Carlyle the go-ahead to seek bids for the project, pending review of a couple of late requests.

There are two primary components of the half-million dollar project: construction of a new tennis court and rehabilitation of the swimming pool. There are still questions as to how each will evolve.

Move courts to expand parking?

The two existing tennis courts in the park had gone to seed over the past decade or so, and were most recently being used as a parking lot. An anonymous donor stepped forward and offered to pay for half of a new set of courts, with the city utilizing an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant to pay the remainder.

Estimates for construction of one court came in at around $100,000, so plans were downsized to include just one court.

Since then, Trenton's park board has asked the city to consider shifting the court to the east, moving the existing basketball court east, and enlarging the parking lot adjacent to the courts and pool.

Consequently, the city has agreed to seek two bids for the tennis court replacement, one for constructing the court on the existing footprint and one for the expanded version of the project. It is unlikely the city will be able to procure additional funding from the DNR, although there is a possibility money will be available when this year's grant program year ends.

Most likely, the expansion of the project would be on the city's dime.

Add "zero entry" to pool?

The swimming pool will be rehabilitated with a new liner to mitigate seepage and the replacement of the pressurized water system. Outside the grant, there are issues with the pump and filtration system, which are original to the 40-year old pool.

On Monday, Brent Woods placed a request with the city on behalf of the municipal pool foundation, which in addition to helping fund the city's share of the grant project is working toward building a new pool within about a ten-year time frame.

Woods asked the city council to get an estimate for creating a "zero entry" to the pool as part of the upcoming rehabilitation. Woods said the pool foundation would consider paying for the additional work if the price is reasonable.

A "zero entry" is essentially a gradual slope into the pool rather than entering by steps. "It would make the pool more modern and accessible, especially for ADA compliance," Woods said. Woods said the "zero entrance" could also serve as a replacement for the problematic baby pool.

The idea was considered in the initial planning phase for the park grant, but rejected at the time because it would have significantly reduced the available swimming space.

Woods said the new plan calls for beginning the "zero entry" at a point near the existing fence that surrounds the pool. The fence would be moved back, and the zero entry would be complete at about the same point as the existing south wall of the pool.

While not dismissing the idea, Trenton mayor Bob Koentz and council members expressed reservations based on priorities.

"I'm not knocking the idea," said Koentz, "but it boils down to the money that's involved here. The city has to pay for the project upfront, and we don't get any grant money until the whole project is finished."

Randy Reibold said it's likely the city will have to pay for a new pump and other mechanical items at the pool. "I don't have an objection to it, but it seems to me that if we spend extra money on this, that's money we won't have to spend on the new pump and filtration system," Reibold said.

Without undertaking a feasibility study, the city will ask HMG to provide a rough estimate for the extra work.

"I think we need to remember that the work on the pool is intended to be a stop-gap," Koentz said. "The idea all along has been to keep the current pool viable for another ten years, and hope we're able to get a new pool built sometime before that time frame is up."

- 1907 -

Several of our young ladies have organized the Q.E.T. Club for social purposes. Members are: Misses Tonina Carr, Christine Remick, Nan Sanders, Ione Wittig, Edna Fischer, Martha Glanzner, Ina Leonhard and Clara Schmale.

Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Garrigus, nee Todd, fell asleep in Jesus at her home in Trenton on the afternoon of August 3.

John Hanrath bet Fred Heimann a keg of beer that he could unload 1000 bricks from a truck in 20 minutes. Mr. Hanrath, a man 60 years old, then proceeded to do the job in the Aviston Village Park in 15 minutes.

- 1917 -

Edward Dagit of Summerfield graduated from the David Ranken School of Mechanical Trades in St. Louis.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. George Rakers in Aviston Saturday.

Prof. Lewis Bowyer and family removed their household goods here from Normal. He has been employed as principal of the high school here for the coming year.

W.R. Snow, a Socialist speaker, delivered an address in the City Park Sunday afternoon on the topics of the day. The attendance was not large.

- 1927 -

John Kitsch, 60, of New Baden died suddenly Friday morning.

Albert Wolf, well known farmer, purchased the F.W. Kurz residence and will move to town.

The old Schaeffer residence on West Broadway is being torn down and a modern new bungalow will be erected on the site.

Quite an excitement prevailed among the threshing crew last Tuesday when a large balloon from Scott Field landed on Charles Lee's wheatfield.

- 1937 -

The local post office was moved Saturday and is now located in the Welz building on South Main Street, one block south of Broadway. The office was located at the same corner about 50 years ago.

Miss Marcella Baer underwent an appendectomy at the Highland Hospital Thursday.

The Trenton Community Club re-elected its officers Wednesday night. John R. Schaefer is president. H.A. Eisenmayer vice president, Terence Henry secretary, Harlan Glanzner Treasurer.

Mrs. M. Hetzel, formerly of this city, underwent a serious operation in Hillsboro about a week ago.

- 1947 -

Richard Roth, president of the Roth Dairy Co. of Mt. Vernon, purchased property at New Baden and will build a milk and bottling plant.

John D. "Duke" Erlinger of Carlyle died of accidental burns Sunday night at the Breese Hospital. He was 53.

Lawrence Rohr, father of Edward Rohr, died July 27 at Centralia.

Emil Steiner, former resident of Trenton died Monday in St. Louis at the age of 64.

Funeral services for Theo. Diekemper, former resident of New Baden, were held in St. Louis Wednesday.

- 1957 -

Arnold Leutwiler, formerly of Trenton, died in St. Louis August 3 as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident at Red Bud.

Daughters were born to Rev. J.R. Kruegel and to Mr. and Mrs. Laurel Berger.

The Trenton Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring their first annual fund drive and will hold no public affair, such as a dance, to raise money

Trenton averaged $913 in sales tax for the first year of its participation in the program.

- 1967 -

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Al Rakers Jr. on July 26.

William A. Schmidt, retired New Baden farmer, died Aug. 1 at the age of 85.

Ronald Witt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Witt, has enlisted in the Air Force and is undergoing basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas.

Elmer Billhartz of St. Louis and formerly of New Baden died Saturday, aged 58 years.

Mrs. Eva Zahn received a cash award of $390 and a certificate of commendation for suggesting a change in submission of letters and inclosures resulting in greater efficiency for the federal government.

Mrs. Urmund Mann, nee Caroline Schmitt, former residents of Trenton, died July 30 in Moberly, Mo. She was 86.

Miss Arline Rakers and Kenneth Steiner were married July 22 in St. Mary Church.

- 1977 -

Boy Scout Troop 39 held a court of honor ceremony.

Edward Heimann of Albers died July 30 at the age of 51.

Fred Huene, 87, of Aviston lost his life in a four-car collision in Centralia July 31.

The Blood Bank at the Trenton Legion Home collected 90 pints of blood, 26 short of the goal.

Mrs. Elizabeth Zieren, 92, of Carlyle died July 30.

- 1987 -

Sister Marilyn Haselhorst will celebrate her 25th anniversary as a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 23 with a mass of thanksgiving at St. Mary Church, Trenton.

Trenton bombed Robinson in 529 straight games to win the 23rd subdistrict in American Legion baseball.

Eugene "Butch" Miller, 82, of Trenton, died Tuesday, July 28 at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Sylvester F. Strubhart, 73, died Tuesday, August 4, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

-1997-

Tyler Stone, a 1997 Wesclin High School graduate, has been awarded an Academic/Leadership Scholarship from Kaskaskia College.

Wes Loyet of Trenton graduated on Monday from the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield.

Nicholas (Cole) Brett Cygan was born 6/17/97 to proud parents Brett and Robyn Cygan of St. Jacob.

Charles J. Albers, 80, of Germantown, died Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at Countryside Manor in Aviston. He was born July 2, 1927 in Germantown, son of Theodore and Elizabeth, nee Dumbeck, Albers, and they both preceded him in death. He married Florence Richter July 18, 1956 at St. Francis Church in Aviston, and she died March 8, 2007. Surviving are a son, Dennis (Sandy) Albers of Bartelso; a daughter Connie (John Speck) Albers of St. Louis; a sister, Helen Wellinghoff of Trenton; two grandchildren, Tiffany Albers and Matthew Albers; in-laws, other relatives and friends. The funeral was Saturday from St. Boniface Church in Germantown. Interment St. Boniface Cemetery.

For complete obituary and condolences: mossfuneralhome.com

Justin Gerard Brandmeyer, 27, of Belleville, formerly of New Baden, died Sunday, July 22, 2007 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis. He was born January 18, 1980 in Belleville, son of Tom and Barb, nee Behrman, Brandmeyer, and they survive. Also surviving are a daughter, Alayna Jean Brandmeyer of Carlyle; a brother, Nathan Brandmeyer of Belleville; a sister, Lindsay Brandmeyer of Aviston; his grandparents, Urban and Dorothy Behrman of Albers and Doris Brandmeyer of New Baden; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. Mr. Brandmeyer was an opthalmologist technician at Retina Vitreous Consultants in St. Louis. The funeral was Thursday from St. Bernard Church in Albers. Cremains interred at St. Bernard Cemetery, Albers. Memorials to the education fund for Alayna J. Brandmeyer will be accepted through Hempen Funeral Home or any First County Bank.

Condolences to hempenfuneralhome.com

Mary M. Klasing, 77, of Trenton, died Monday, July 30, 2007 at her home. She was born December 12, 1929 in South Bend, Indiana, daughter of Sidney and Cecelia, nee Mueller, Sullins, and they both preceded her in death. She married Robert Klasing June 11, 1949 at First United Methodist Church in Trenton, and he died June 10, 1994. Other precedents included a son, Curtis William Klasing; her twin sister, Marian Stubbs; brothers-in-law Jim Stubbs and William Hazard; and a niece, Andrea Kreeger. Surviving are her daughters, Linda Rakers of Trenton and Diane (Jerry) Hanft of Freeburg; a granddaughter, Jennifer (Brian) Kuhl of Trenton; three great grandchildren, Mytchel, Brady, and Carter Kuhl, all of Trenton; and a niece, Lynne (Steve) Irwin of Phoenix, Arizona. Mrs. Klasing had worked as a teacher's aide at Aviston Elementary and Trenton Elementary. She was an emergency medical technician for the Sugar Creek Ambulance Service for 14 years, and was a former co-owner of the Bo Peep Boutique baby store in Trenton. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Trenton, United Methodist Women's Association, and the Clinton County Historical Society. The funeral is Saturday, August 4 at 11 a.m. from First United Methodist Church in Trenton. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Interment Trenton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church building fund, Sugar Creek Ambulance Service, or Clinton County Historical Society, and will be received at the church or through Moss Funeral Home in Trenton.

Condolences to mossfuneralhome.com

Francis A. Luitjohan, 84, of Damiansville, died Sunday, July 29, 2007 at his home. He was born February 19, 1923 in Aviston, son of Frank and Agnes, nee Stoff, Luitjohan, and they both preceded him in death. Other precedents included three brothers, John, Al, and Joe Luitjohan, and a sister, Agnes Goebel. He married Alvina E. Korte September 3, 1947 and she survives in Damiansville. Also surviving are his children, James (Lana) Luitjohan of Mt. Vernon; Frank (Marlene) Luitjohan of Edwardsville, Betty (Vernell) Hemker of Highland, Mike (Janice) Luitjohan of Germantown, Charles (Theresa) Luitjohan of Breese, Cindy (Alan) Grapperhaus of Breese; brothers and sisters, Paul (Mary Ann) Luitjohan, Marie (Vince) Horstmann, Rita Warnecke, Delores Zobrist, Jane (Cyril) Korte, all of Highland, Anna Spihlman of Germantown, Clara (Gualberd) Emig of Trenton, Millie (Allan) Frey of Pierron, and Pat (Rudy) Brandmcyer of Damiansville; 24 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, in-laws, other relatives, and friends. Mr. Luitjohan was a carpenter, and a veteran of the U.S. Army, earning a Bronze Star in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was a member of St. Damian Parish and its Holy Name Society, a past commander of American Legion Post 1026, and a member of Knights of Columbus Council 9768. The funeral was this morning (Wednesday) from St. Damian Catholic Church, Damiansville. Interment St. Damian Cemetery. Memorials to St. Damian Parish will be received by Hempen Funeral Home.

Condolences to hempenfuneralhome.com

Dorothy T. Markus, 90, of Damiansville, died Monday, July 30, 2007 at her home. She was born June 10, 1917 in Carlyle, daughter of Norbert and Helene, nee Pollmann, Henken, and they both preceded her in death. She married Robert J. Markus October 22, 1947 at Highland, and he died February 10, 1998. Children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, a sister, and other relatives and friends survive. Interment St. Damian Cemetery, Damiansville.

For complete obituary and condolences, mossfuneralhome.com

Antoinette M. "Toni" Paul, 86, of New Baden, died Friday, July 27, 2007 at Clinton Manor in New Baden. She was born July 3, 1921 in Presque Isle, Maine, daughter of Joseph and Anne, nee Cyr, Sinclair, and they both preceded her in death. She married Joseph F. Paul June 20, 1950 in Springfield, Massachusetts, and he died January 28, 1994. A brother, Walter Sinclair; and three sisters, Bertha Sinclair, Judy Sinclair, and Arthurina Welch also preceded her. Surviving are a son, Stephen Paul of Mascoutah; a daughter, Michelle Humphrey of LaPlata, Maryland; two grandchildren, four great grandchildren; a brother, Rudy Sinclair of Redford, Michigan; in-laws, friends, and neighbors. The funeral was Monday from St. George Catholic Church in New Baden. Graveside services August 23, 2007 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Memorial may be made to any humane society and will be received through Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden.

Condolences to hempenfuneralhome.com

Raymond H. Rickhoff, 73, of Bartelso, died Saturday, July 28, 2007 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis. He was born September 12, 1933 in Germantown, son of Bernard and Sophie, nee Kniepmann, Rickhoff, and they both preceded him in death. He married Johanna Huelsmann February 14, 1969 at St. Cecilia Church in Bartelso, and she died June 29, 1977. A son, siblings, grandchildren, in-laws, other relatives and friends survive. Interment St. Cecilia Cemetery, Bartelso.

For complete obituary and condolences: mossfuneralhome.com