Trenton won't pay for a concrete "apron" local homeowner Kurt Kohlbrecher wants to tie his driveway to the new curb poured as part of the development of the Wildwood Estates subdivision.

Kohlbrecher, whose home predates the subdivision, claims the city took away access to his driveway, and should pay to restore that access.

According to Trenton mayor Bob Koentz, "we have more than covered our legal responsibility at this point."

Since they built their home, the Kohlbrechers have accessed their rear entry driveway and garage by East Third Street, which ended somewhere in their back yard.

When the new subdivision was developed, Third Street was moved slightly north to make for a cleaner, safer intersection. The new street also has a curb.

The land where the street used to be was abandoned by the city, and becomes part of the lots belonging to adjacent homeowners, including the Kohlbrechers.

So rather than driving from the street directly into their driveway, with no curb, the Kohlbrechers must now enter their driveway from the north, navigating the curb in the process.

According to mayor Koentz, "the curb is legal. You don't have to cut the curb to access your driveway. You can climb it. It meets Illinois Department of Transportation specifications."

Koentz said the city sought legal advice from city attorney Kristi Vetri, who advised him that the city may be risking future liability for every homeowner in town who has a curb fronting his or her driveway.

Further, the mayor said the city has lived up to its obligation by relinquishing the property that allows the Kohlbrechers to access their driveway.

"Does everyone understand that the curb is wrong," said Kohlbrecher. "It's obviously a problem to jump that curb to get into a driveway. You'd have to get a front end alignment every month. I personally feel like this is a no-brainer. There shouldn't be any question that I shouldn't have any cost involved. I've got no problem with the development, but the access now compared to before isn't the same."

Council members Margaret Conley, Tom Harpstrite, Randy Reibold, and Gary Sellers all supported Koentz's position that the city has fulfilled its responsibility to the Kohlbrechers in regard to property access. Council member Kim Trame said she would like to know how much the project would cost.

Kohlbrecher said at last Monday's meeting that a curb cut and the pouring of the apron runs around $600. Wildwood developers Trenton Land Development L.L.C have agreed to provide Kohlbrecher the curb cut at no charge.

Kohlbrecher asked about the city's plans for a future sidewalk on the property, which is now an easement. Kohlbrecher said if a sidewalk is planned, he would like to pour the apron and sidewalk in one piece for durability.

Koentz said the sidewalk may not be placed for quite some time, and is likely to be grant-funded through the federal Safe Routes To Schools program.

"So if I want the sidewalk in one piece, I guess I'll just pay for that too, huh?," said Kohlbrecher. "I'm on my own."

Kohlbrecher, who also owns a business in town, Perm-A-Green Lawn and Landscaping, said the city council's stance is the latest in a pattern of behavior that is driving a wedge between elected officials and their constituents. Earlier this year, Kohlbrecher withdrew a plan to enlarge his facilities after conflicts with the city council.

"I've been a supporter of Trenton my whole life," Kohlbrecher said, "and I still will be, but it's this kind of mentality that creates animosity between the people and the leadership. You jerked me around on my project, and you jerked Bobby Wiegmann around until he left town, and now you're jerking me around again on this deal."

Wiegmann is the owner of Wiegmann Woodworking, which is relocating to Damiansville.

Koentz said he viewed Wiegmann leaving town as Kohlbrecher's fault rather than the city. "You held off and wouldn't make a commitment because you were waiting for the city to do things to help your project along and he got sick of it and left," Koentz said. "If you don't like my mentality, vote me out of office."

Kohlbrecher said he had a signed contract to sell Wiegmann part of his property and a building, but chose not to enforce it. "He had a better opportunity, and I let him out of the contract," Kohlbrecher said. "We've been friends for years, and I thought it was the right thing to do."

Koentz said the perception that the city is responsible for driving Wiegmann out of town is wrong. "I take affront to that, to you insinuating the city did something wrong there," Koentz said. "I feel you held that deal up."

"I've done a lot of good things for Trenton," said Kohlbrecher. "I've been in business here for thirty years. You'd think that would count for something. This isn't about the city's legal obligation, it's about the principle."

Kohlbrecher recently resubmitted plans for the expansion of his business property, which is located on King Oak Street south of the city maintenance shed. "I really appreciate you working with me, guys," he said as he left the meeting. "I guess I'll get to deal with you again soon. Thanks. Thanks a lot."

This reporter's inference was that he didn't really mean it.

- 1907 -

Born to John Kuhn and wife a boy Tuesday and to Jos. Kechner and wife a boy Sunday.

Today, venerable Thomas Graesser and his esteemed wife quietly observed their 55th anniversary of marriage.

Mrs. Chas. Harpstrite, while preparing dinner, discovered an egg that contained three yolks.

Otto Teichmann of New Baden and Miss Sophia Mallrich drove to Carlyle Sunday where they were quietly married.

- 1917 -

Miss Lucy Hull, 73, a well known citizen of Aviston, died Tuesday morning.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Davis a son on August 19.

Mrs. Mary Gildig, nee Trippel, died August 17 at the age of 82.

Lebanon experienced the most disastrous fire loss in the history of the city Sunday afternoon when four of the largest business concerns were burned out. Included were the C.H. Sager Hdw. Co., H.A. Blanck Merc. Co., the Ben Bunge Bakery and the Stoffel Bros. Hdw. Co.

- 1927 -

Stanley Willeke, Bernard Brefeld, Joseph Peters and George Griggs became Boy Scouts at the meeting held Friday.

A sweet clover seed harvester, a combine to be accurate, made its debut on the Baer farm south of Summerfield. The machine had been designed by and under the direction of Arthur Sewald. The machine does all the work.

Phil Geiben, who lives just west of town on the Hoyt place which he purchased last year, has obtained a license from the state to do real estate business.

- 1937 -

Gerald Mabus of Mascoutah won first prize in the difflers contest at the Highland Centennial. Mrs. Mabus is the former Ruby Lee.

Ray Wittig, a former Trenton boy, who is now cashier of the Southeast State Bank of Kansas City, had a thrilling experience when he was forced at gunpoint to turn over money to a lone bandit.

Albert Rakers, 77, Aviston farmer, died Sunday evening at his home after a long illness.

Mrs. Catherine Kuhl of Aviston, widow of Clemens Kuhl, died Tuesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clara Thole.

Walter Lee, well known night marshal and constable, collapsed and died Saturday evening at the age of 57.

- 1947 -

Miss Helen Haar and Leonard Rule were married in St. Augustine Church, Breese, on August 12.

Donald Anderson took advantage of an open date in the Quincy baseball schedule to do some romancing here.

Miss Margie Korte and Paul Rohling were married Aug. 19 in the Immaculate Conception Church at Pierron.

Miss Mary Jane Meier of Albers and Robert Vollmer of New Baden were married Wednesday in St. Bernard Church.

- 1957 -

Walter E. Appel, city clerk, died Aug. 18 at the age of 65.

Mrs. Peter Orschell, 87, died August 16 at the Mascoutah Nursing Home.

Trenton won the 1957 Clinton County League baseball title with a win over Albers.

Miss Teresa Seiffert of Carlyle became the bride of Joseph Kniepmann August 17 in St. Mary Church, Carlyle.

Mrs. Sarah Therion, 69 died August 16 at the Mascoutah Nursing Home.

Erwin Krausz, 59, native of New Baden died Friday at the Breese Hospital.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Burd on Aug. 16.

- 1967 -

Warrant Officer Robert Zahn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zahn, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in Vietnam where he is a helicopter pilot.

Raymond "Chief" Reinhardt, 55, of New Baden died August 15 five hours after he was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville. He was highway commissioner of Lookingglass Twp.

Daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Jolene Seger) Wood of Granite City and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ethridge (Judy Lodes).

Dan Monken, 25, of Highland was killed August 14 when he fell in front of the right rear dual wheels of a Helvetia Township truck.

Miss Judith Burkhardt, 25, died August 25 after an illness of two months.

Paul Heimann, son of Mr. and Mrs. Aloys Heimann of Albers, was awarded the Silver Star medal for courageous action in Vietnam.

St. Mary Church was the scene of the August 12 wedding of Miss Sandra Wolfersberger and James Friederich.

- 1977 -

New teachers at Wesclin this year include Jean Bonhard, Gary Rieger, Bonita Ahring, Elaine Horstmann, Diane Kunz.

The Department of Health will be contacted to rid the city of flocks of birds. Shooting apparently is not the answer.

Patrick Ethridge, 27, of St. Louis and formerly of Trenton, died August 4.

Herman Feldmann of Aviston died August 6 at the age of 86.

Mrs. Rosalia Choma, 88, mother of Peter Choma of Trenton, died August 9 in Stamford, Conn.

Miss Patricia Jean Drees became the bride of Edward Nieman in St. Mary Church on August 6.

Mrs. Clara Henss, 81, of Highland, died August 10. She was the mother of Vernon Henss.

- 1987 -

Dennis Litteken teamed with Scott Jones of Cahokia to win the state K of C doubles horseshoe tournament August 15 at Springfield. The pair combined to win six games and lose two. Other Trenton participants were Mel Becker and Pete Schumacher.

Dr. James Wells, a native of St. Jacob, plans to join the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese in the near future.

Descendants of John B. Harpstrite gathered in the basement of First United Methodist Church on August 16, their 16th annual gathering.

Barbara Berger and Vincent Huelsmann of Trenton were among the 3,029 graduates at the summer commencement at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

-1997-

Hank's General Construction was the low bidder for the building project in the Wesclin school district, with a combined bid of just over $2.6 million.

Clinton County Sheriff's Office has retired its police dog, Caesar, after ten years of service.

Don and Phyllis Zurliene of Trenton donated tree markers to identify vegetation at the new Northland Acres Nature Preserve.

The Dan and Barb Haselhorst family were named Trenton Knights of Columbus Council 2932 "Family of the Year"at the council's recent recognition program.

Mary C. Husmannn, 90, of Germantown, died Monday, August 13, 2007 at her home. She was born April 18, 1917 in New Baden, daughter of Henry B. and Josephine A., nee Eilers, Frerker, and they both preceded her in death. She married Elmer J. Husmann October 28, 1935 in New Baden, and he died February 14, 1989. Other precedents included two brothers, Herman Frerker and LaVerne Frerker; three sisters, Minnie Pollmann, Ann Thoele, and Laura Dulle; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Irene Frerker, Herman Pollmann, Bill Thoele, George Dulle, Delores Frerker, Edwin and Dorothy Husmann, Albin Husmann, Martha and Ferd Lampe, Casper Husmann, Bernice and Sevie Haar, and Agnes and Henry Yager. Surviving are a son, Allen (Kathy) Husmann of Vandalia; five grandchildren, Derrick (Marla) Husmann of Germantown; Dana Lewis of Overland Park, Kansas; Ering (Brian) Engelmann of Albers, Amanda (special friend Mike Eversman) Husmann of Shiloh, and Collin Lewis of Germantown; two great grandchildren, Jonathan Husmann and Lydia Engelmann; a sister, Sophie (Herman) Schomaker of New Baden; and brothers- and sisters-in-law Virginia Bargetzi of Highland, Leona and Oliver Davis of Beckemeyer, Josephine Husmann of Germantown, and Viola Husmann of Belleville. Mrs. Husmann was retired from the Germantown IGA after 18 years of service. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown. She loved quilting, playing cards, and spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren. There will be a funeral mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 16, 2007 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown, Msgr. James A. Buerster officiating. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery in Germantown. Friends may call this evening (Wednesday) from 4 to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Hempen Funeral Home in Breese. Memorials may be made to the Germantown Fire Department or Heartland Hospice and will be received at the funeral home.

Condolences to hempenfuneralhome.com

Helen E. Bassler, 97, of Trenton died Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at Countryside Manor Nursing Home in Aviston. She was born October 11, 1909 to Louis and Mary, nee Kraemer, Bassler, and they both preceded her in death. Other precedents include a brother, Delmar Bassler; a sister-in-law, Kathlyn Bassler; nephews David Bassler, Phillip Bassler, Timothy Bassler; and a niece, Penelope Bassler. Surviving are a nephew, Patrick (Patty) Bassler of Trenton; a niece, Jenny Bassler of Alton; great nephews and great nieces Dawn (Dean Beauchee) Bassler, Lisa (Michael) Cox, Connie (David) Lihs, and Ryan Bassler; and great great nieces and nephews Bekah and Addison Brennan, and Hannah and Shelley Cox. Ms. Bassler had been a waitress at Hank's Bowl in Trenton. She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Trenton, and a founding member of the church's J.O.Y. Society. The funeral is Friday, August 17 at 10 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Trenton, with the Rev. Mark Buck officiating. Interment Trenton Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, August 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 to 10 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Trenton. Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Condolences to mossfuneralhome.com

Mary Louise Ratermann, 90, of Breese, died Friday, August 10, 2007 at Aviston Countryside Manor. She was born July 7, 1917 in Aviston, daughter of Herman and Caroline, nee Kuhl, Wolters. She married Sylvester Ratermann October 17, 1939 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston, and he died February 27, 1986. Children, grandchildren, siblings, other relatives, and friends survive. Interment St. Dominic-St. Augustine Cemetery, Breese.

For complete obituary and condolences, mossfuneralhome.com