Community Service

Former Waterloo resident Darren Washausen been commissioned as an official Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed upon a citizen of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This title, presented by the governor and the secretary of state, is in recognition of “noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state, or the nation.” Washausen’s friend Christopher……

The Valmeyer Village Board gave special recognition to the Valmeyer Jaycees in honor of the organization’s 50th year serving the community. Valmeyer Mayor Howard Heavner pointed out many of the projects the Jaycees’ spearheaded since their establishment in 1969. They include the Mid-Summer Celebration, July 4th Parade, improvements to Borsch Park (restrooms, grandstands and three……

Lucky raffle winners were chosen at the Nov. 4 meeting of Bethel 54 Job’s Daughters at the Columbia Masonic Temple. Bethels from Columbia and O’Fallon raised $339 for HIKE (Hearing Improved Kids Endowment) by selling opportunity tickets for prizes. Honored Queen Hailey Dell has raised over $8,000.00 for HIKE over the past six years. To…

Janice and Gary Crawford were the guests of honor at the 2019 Human Support Services Celebration Dinner held Oct. 17 at the Falls. Janice has served on several committees and is a longtime board member. To access more content, login or subscribe to the Monroe County Independent.  If you are are not yet a subscriber you can purchase a subscription here….

The Valmeyer Junior High girls basketball team held a Pink Out Breast Cancer game Oct. 29. Prior to tip-off against Marissa, the Pirates raised funds through admission, t-shirt sales, silent auction and a 50/50. Breast cancer survivors were recognized before the game. Proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society. To access more content, login…

The Illinois State Genealogical Society bestowed an honor on the City of Waterloo for the town’s continued support of genealogy programs throughout Monroe County. Mayor Tom Smith attended an October meeting of the state’s genealogical society to accept an award. The society gave special recognition to Smith for his leadership and support of those programs…….

Ashley Hewitt spearheaded fundraising efforts that raised $100,000 for the family of Nick Hopkins, the State Police Officer Nick Hopkins who died in the line of duty this past August. Ashley Hewitt presented on Saturday a check for $100,000 to Whitney Hopkins for her and her children, Evelyn, Owen and Emma. Hewitt wishes to express……

Civic-minded former Waterloo alderman and longtime downtown business owner Bob Kettler died Sept. 23. He was 85. Bob and his wife Joanne (nee Dalkert) operated the Waterloo Times newspaper and its printing business, Waterloo Printers (across from JV’s). He also was served the community many years as a dedicated Waterloo firefighter. Bob also served on……