Trenton's city council on Monday approved the first phase of its park grant by approving the low bid of Christ Brothers Asphalt, Inc. to construct a new tennis court, at a cost of up to $122,223, about $25,000 more than engineers estimated the project would cost when the grant paperwork was submitted a little over a year ago.

The council's acceptance of the bid came with the proviso that the scope of work be more closely examined to determine if there are any elements that can be removed to save costs.

The city is responsible for half the costs of what was projected to be about a $500,000 project that also includes significant renovations of the city pool, but it is unclear at this point how much the project may cost over the engineers' estimate, and who will be responsible for those costs.

The tennis court project was only included in the grant because an anonymous donor pledged to pick up the city's share of the costs, which was expected to be about $50,000. On Monday, council members were uncertain whether the agreement from the anonymous party was to fund half the cost of the tennis court no matter the price, or to provide a maximum of $50,000. Council members Kim Trame and Tom Harpstrite both said their recollection was that a donation of $50,000 was pledged, but Mayor Bob Koentz said he believes the pledge was for half the project cost.

The city apparently has no supporting documentation for the pledge, nor do they know the identity of the anonymous donor. The deal was brokered by local attorney Pat Callahan on behalf of the donor.

On Tuesday, Trenton councilwoman Margaret Conley said Callahan told her the pledge was for half the project cost up to $50,000. Callahan also said he had submitted a letter to that effect to the city.

Conley also said she contacted Doug Ratermann of the city's engineering firm, HMG Engineers in Carlyle, who told her the increase was due to the rapid rise in material costs in the year and a half since the estimate was formulated.

Koentz and councilman Randy Reibold both said it makes little difference, since the city has already accepted the grant and submitted its plan. "We have to do what's in the grant proposal we submitted to the state," Koentz said. "We're committed at this point, the same way we are with the pool when the truth is we don't have enough people using the pool to support it."

Trenton mayor Bob Koentz had harsh words for unnamed TrentonFest committee members Monday night, when he accused them of leaving the clean-up of two Ranger utility vehicles the committee had borrowed from Breese Lawn & Garden to city workers.

"I don't want to hear again about TrentonFest people just dropping off their borrowed equipment at the city shed and saying 'let the city boys take care of it'," Koentz said. "If you borrow it, you're responsible for it. They weren't refueled, and one of our workers cleaned them up and returned them. If you want to borrow equipment, make sure it's back in the same condition."

TrentonFest Committee co-chairman Pete Schumacher said on Tuesday that he and fellow committee member Doug Denaro had every intention of cleaning up the vehicles and refueling them, but city workers beat them to the punch.

Schumacher said when he arrived at the park Monday morning, the two vehicles were gone from under the pavilion where committee members had left them. He then called the maintenance shed and determined that the utility vehicles were there.

When Schumacher called the maintenance shed to arrange to clean the vehicles, he said he was told they were already on their way back to Breese, and had not been refueled. At that point, Schumacher said he told maintenance superintendent Mike Jones to advise Breese Lawn and Garden to send the committee the bill for refueling costs. This is the second consecutive year Breese Lawn and Garden has donated the use of the vehicles to TrentonFest.

Koentz also criticized TrentonFest workers for fashioning their own electrical boxes and creating hazards during the weekend event.

In other council business Monday:

- Committee on Aging chair Margaret Conley reported that a regular visitor to the senior meals site in Trenton has donated a new stove to the facility. The stove was on the senior meals site's 'wish list' for funding through the federal Area Agency on Aging, but Conley said she was able to amend the request to a new freezer instead.

The senior site will host a flu and pneumonia shot clinic October 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. Medicare will pick up the cost of the shot for those covered; otherwise the shots are $30.

- Trenton police chief Mike Jones reported plans to remove the large curve at the intersection of Ash Street and Third near the Trenton park and replace it with a stop sign intersection instead.

Jones said the intersection has been dangerous for some time, and will be even more so with increased traffic to the new Wildwood Estates subdivision. "The stop sign will slow people down," Jones said.

The stop sign is planned for Ash Steet at its intersection with Third. The balance of the curve will be used to create a diagonal parking area and additional green space for the park.

Jones also reported police have issued several tickets on New Route 50 in recent days, after highway workers requested something be done about motorists driving at dangerous speeds through construction zones. "I just want you to know that if you get any complaints about us staying out on New 50, we were requested to be there. It's a special detail." The new highway is included in the Trenton police coverage area. Jones said state police are also involved in the detail. Speeders in the construction area are subject to increased fines.

Certified Public Accountant John Schomaker of Rice, Sullivan & Associates had a glowing audit report for the Wesclin school board Monday night.

Schomaker said the district's records were all found to be in accordance with Illinois State Board of Education standards, and even met a more rigorous set of regulations for internal controls. "All funds had a positive cash flow, you have healthy fund balances, and are generally in good financial condition," Schomaker said, adding that the district did not receive a management letter. "That means there were no deficiencies nor material weaknesses, and it's a testament to a well-run district and management's understanding of their fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers. It's a spectacular audit, and one we're proud to be associated with," Schomaker concluded.

- The school board approved a $10.7 million budget that will build the district's total fund balance by about $629,000 on the expectation of over $11.3 million in revenues. This year's budget revenues represent a deceiving 22 percent increase over last year, in that the district plans to levy over $700,000 more in its life-safety fund this year than last.

The district has recently undergone its ten-year life safety study. During that process, architects inspect school facilities for necessary upgrades to comply with state codes. Much of the life-safety work the district plans will be in response to the architects' recommendations.

- Wesclin superintendent Dave Daum reported that both Trenton and New Baden elementary schools have been approved for the ASPIRE grant which promotes regular education initiatives for disabled students. Training for the program will begin next week.

- The first school improvement day for teachers is set for October 5. School staffs throughout the district will meet to consider potential weaknesses in the district's educational program and ensure Wesclin continues to meet adequate yearly progress goals tied to district funding.

- The board voted to approve a donation of a large storage container from Steve Terwilliger to St. George Elementary for use on the playground.

- In personnel, the board accepted the resignations of Kyle Wehrle as assistant junior varsity baseball coach, and Mike McCollum as junior high science teacher. Gary Rieger, a retired science from Wesclin junior high, will be McCollum's temporary replacement. McCollum's resignation takes effect in January.

- Superintendent Daum reported that Wesclin board members John Fridley and Sandy Padak both have "master board member" designations for their expertise in school matters.

- 1907 -

This morning Urmand Mann and Miss Carrie Schmidt were joined in the bonds of holy wedlock at St. Mary's parsonage.

Born to Jac. Bergolt and wife a daughter Wednesday.

The City of Trenton has acquired the Eisenmayer lots between Apple and Sycamore facing 4th Street. The lots will be utilized for the purpose of building a reservoir and for drilling wells.

John Vieregge plowed up a nest of snakes last week. Being one of our sober and industrious young farmers, he took in the situation at a glance. He quickly disposed of the 40 reptiles all except one that had two heads, which, although dead from grief incident to the capture, is on display at Wright's drug store.

- 1917 -

Weaver & Son, the cistern cleaners, who recently moved to this city, are being kept busy.

G. Musenbrock of St. Rose won the Ford at the drawing held at the City Park Friday.

Born to Joe Holtgrave and wife in Aviston a boy Saturday. A son was born to Herman Feldmann and wife Monday.

Miss Edith Koch and Earl S. Acker of St. Louis were united in marriage at Union, Mo. on Sept. 18.

The Organized Adult Class at the German Evang. Church selected the following: President, Mrs. Ida Mallrich; vice president Miss Frieda Emig; secretary, Miss Louise Huelsman; treasurer, Miss Myrtle Tschudy.

- 1927 -

Seb. Hammel had a narrow escape Tuesday afternoon when the front end of his car was struck by a train on the South Main Street crossing. No one was injured.

H.J. Hamm, the popular confectioner, has installed one of the latest popcorn popping machines, all electric.

Melba Discher was elected president of the Socratic Society and Ernest Glaeser is president of the Ciceronian Society at the high school.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Fritz moved here from Lebanon this week.

- 1937 -

Mrs. John A. Wagener died suddenly Sept. 18 at her home at the age of 60.

Charles Pracht and Mrs. Amanda Rasch were quietly united in marriage at Carlyle last Thursday evening.

Frank W. Dressler, aged 73, a brother of Edward Dressler, died at Alexaian Bros. Hospital in St. Louis Saturday.

Miss Ada Cryder became the bride of Leland C. Smith on Sept. 1.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Timmermann of Aviston Wednesday.

- 1947 -

Russell Phillips, formerly of Trenton, died in Orange, N.J. Saturday as a result of an auto accident.

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Vaninger at the Highland Hospital on Sept. 20.

Only eight businessmen and three aldermen were present at the City Council meeting to discuss the employment of a night watchman.

- 1957 -

Sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Don Klein, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Bain, and Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Hilmes. Daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Haselhorst, Mr. and Mrs. Al Rakers, and Mr. and Mrs. Morris Draper.

Elmer Kraemer, lifelong resident of Trenton, died Sept. 20 at the age of 61.

Arthur Winkler, 74, retired farmer and former Clinton County supervisor, died Sept. 18 at his home east of New Baden.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Andy Markus of Aviston on Sept. 18.

- 1967 -

Joseph Ziegler, 88, died Sept. 25 at Firmin Desloge Hospital, St. Louis, where he had been a patient six days.

A financial drive for the Trenton Medical Building will begin Oct. 1. Investors will be paid six percent interest. An estimated cost of $32,000 for the building, plus the land, has been figured.

Dr. W.A. Carter died at Peoria Sept. 22 at the age of 72. He served the Trenton community as a physician and surgeon for 38 years.

Miss Judy Gribler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gribler received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Bob Jones University, Greenville, S.C.

There are 1950 pupils enrolled in the high schools of Clinton County, an increase of 45 over last year. The total elementary enrollment is 5314.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wellen at Memorial Hospital and a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Roger Bryson.

Roland Rasch, native of Summerfield, died Saturday in East St. Louis.

Roland Senn of Highland died Sept. 24 at the age of 74.

- 1977 -

Charles Huelsman has been named chairman of the south-west region of the Illinois Community College Trustees Arm.

Phil Schmitt received the MVP award at the Trenton American Legion baseball dinner. Tom Ritzheimer received the leading hitter and leading pitcher awards.

Leston Johnson Sr., brother of Noel Johnson, died in Nashville Sept. 16 at the age of 77.

The home of Bob Eisenmayer was destroyed by fire early Thursday morning. He escaped through the bedroom window.

Miss Kathryn Ellen Moehle and Larry Wesselman were married August 27 in Nashville.

- 1987 -

Steve and Kathy Jacober of Trenton announce the birth of their second child, a girl, Jessica Renee, born September 7.

Tim Hoerchler, owner of New Baden Auto Body, is expanding his business to include the New Baden Lube and Shine. Grand opening is October 3.

Gary Wuebbels was the winner of $35 in the third week of the Citizens for Trenton drawing.

- 1997 -

Five year old Garrett Frerker of Trenton found himself "stuck up" after volunteers Kent Kohlbrecher and Larry Davis tossed him onto the "Velcro Wall" at Saturday's Family Fun Day in the park.

Illinois Knights of Columbus stage their annual Tootsie Roll drives for the the mentally disabled this weekend, Sept. 19 and 20.

First grader Shelby Baer and her father, Randy, worked on a computer program together in the St. Mary's computer lab during the school's open house for parents and the community.

Juanita J. Workman, 82, of Trenton, died Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at Countryside Manor in Aviston. She was born May 9, 1925 in Loogootee, Indiana, daughter of Lorenzo and Lidia, nee Sutton, Divine, and they both preceded her in death. She married John Workman February 27, 1943 in Loogootee, Indiana, and he died January 21, 1998. Other precedents included brothers Noble, Robert, Elsworth, Lawrence, Lorenzo, and Alphonse Divine; sisters Margaret and Thelma Divine, Alvina Saurdike, and Theresa Hedrick; a son-in-law, Gary Ratermann, and a great grandson. Surviving are a son, John "Bill" (Deborah) Workman, Jr. of Trenton; three daughters, Linda (Tim) Ballard of Aviston, Stephanie Ratermann of Breese, and Janna Collins of Mascoutah; 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Mrs. Workman was a homemaker. The funeral was Saturday from Moss Funeral Home in Trenton, the Rev. Tom Rankin officiating. Interment Trenton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation and will be accepted through the funeral home.

Condolences to mossfuneralhome.com

Blano "Johnnie" Granda, 83, of Trenton, died Friday, September 14, 2007 at Clinton Manor Nursing Home in New Baden. He was born September 21, 1923 in Taylorville, Illinois, son of Joseph and Esperanza Granda, and they both preceded him in death. Other precedents included his wife, Esther Maxine Granda, and a son, Rick Granda. Surviving are a daughter, Donna Schulte of Belleville; a son, Jon (Charlene) Granda of Trenton; a sister, Mary Marin of Columbia; a brother, Mariano Granda of Addieville; three grandchildren, Tamra Schulte, Jason Granda, and Jared Granda; and a great grandchild, Tristan Rangel. Mr. Granda was retired from Sears Roebuck & Company in East St. Louis, and Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville. He and his wife also owned Granda's Early American Antiques in Trenton. He was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Ault as a Gunner's Mate 2nd Class in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was at Tokyo Bay, Japan for the signing of peace. He was a well-known figure at local antique auctions and flea markets for over 35 years. In keeping with Mr. Granda's wishes, there will be no formal services. Memorials may be made to Veterans Hospital.

Condolences to the Granda Family, P.O. Box 115, Trenton IL 62293.

Clint A. Rieger, 82, of Trenton, died Sunday, September 16, 2007 at Countryside Manor in Aviston. He was born November 28, 1924 in Summerfield, son of John and Esther, nee Schroeder, Rieger, and they both preceded him in death. He married Marian Perschbacher on February 15, 1947 at St. John United Church of Christ in Summerfield, and she died May 6, 2004. A sister, Betty Korte, also preceded him. Surviving are his children, Mary Lou (Del) Lurtz of Fairview Heights, Karen Gibson of Anchorage, Alaska, Gary (Karen) Rieger of Trenton, John (Cheri) Rieger of Trenton, Robert (Ruth) Rieger of Trenton, Kathy Burris of Collinsville, and Mike Rieger of St. Maarten, N.A.; ten grandchildren, Rachel, Gretchen, and Trent Rieger, Craig (Lisa) Humphrey, Jay and Sara Rieger, Will and Wade Rieger, Brian (friend Liz) Bailey, and Adam (fiancée Jody) Bailey; and a sister, Vera (Walter "Red") Kuhn of Trenton. Mr. Rieger worked at Jim’s Formal Wear in Trenton for the past 35 years. He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ, Summerfield where he served on the church council. The funeral is tomorrow (Thursday) from St. John United Church of Christ in Summerfield with Rev. Gary Kniepkamp officiating. Interment will follow in Trenton Cemetery. Friends may call this evening (Wednesday) from 4 to 9 p.m. and tomorrow from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Moss Funeral Home in Trenton. Memorials to St. John U.C.C., Summerfield, will be received at the funeral home.

Condolences to mossfuneralhome.com

Irene F. Castello, 66, of New Baden, died Friday, September 14, 2007 at Rosewood Care Center in Swansea. She was born December 8, 1940 in Mannheim, Germany, daughter of Carl and Freda Litzenberger, and they both preceded her in death. A sister, Elizabeth, also preceded her. She married Dale A. Castello on April 3, 1976 in Ft. Meyers, Virginia, and he survives in New Baden. Also surviving are a daughter, Kim Cruz; a son, Carl Thompson; a sister, Vera; and a brother, Manford. Mrs. Castello was a homemaker. The funeral was this morning (Wednesday) from Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden.

Condolences to hempenfuneralhome.com

Agnes M. Lodes, 83, of Highland, died Thursday, September 13, 2007 at Highland Healthcare Center. She was born March 13, 1924 in Beckemeyer, daughter of John H. and Cecelia, nee Dieckmann, Peters, and they both preceded her in death. She married Joseph J. Lodes September 2, 1944, and he died April 14, 1964. She married and later divorced Andrew A. Linenfelser and he died in 1995. Surviving are a son, Robert Lodes of Highland, a brother, Vincent A. (Ruth) Peters of Carlyle; and four sisters, Joann Harper of Beckemeyer, Helen Leonard of Germantown, Margaret Pollmann of Albers, and Ruth Ann (Francis) Boeser of St. Morgan. Ms. Lodes was retired from Wick's Pipe Organ Company in Highland after 45 years. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, and a Euchartistic Minister there. She was a member of the auxiliaries to VFW Post 7983 in Trenton, American Legion Post 1227 in Beckemeyer, and St. Joseph's Hospital. The funeral is Friday from St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Highland.

Robert G. "Sammy" Ponder, Jr., 41, of Trenton, died Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at St. Louis University Hospital. He was born July 11, 1966 in East St. Louis, son of Robert G. and Nona, nee Gaines, Ponder, Sr. and they both survive in Trenton. His wife, Annette Clover Ponder of O'Fallon, also survives, along with a son, Eric (Stephanie) McMillian of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; a daughter, Brittany Denton of New Memphis; stepchildren Kristin Johnson of O'Fallon, Bobby Johnson of O'Fallon, Rob Clover of Brighton, Pennsylvania, and Chris Clover of O'Fallon; four grandchildren, Ava McMillian, Mia Bridger, Langdon and Caleb Johnson; a brother, Joey Ponder of Trenton; sisters Jolene Millar of Perryville, Missouri, and Tiara Ponder of Trenton; a special and good friend Brian Coppotelli; other relatives and friends. Mr. Ponder was a self-employed carpenter. The funeral was Friday. Interment Trenton Cemetery. Memorials to the family will be accepted through Moss Funeral Home in Trenton.