Point News – January 11, 2023

By Editor | January 10, 2023 |

By Carol Sue Carnes
618-883-2333

Frosty 27 degrees here in Brussels this morning, but a high of 50 predicted for the day. Appreciate every winter day when the temperature stays above freezing!
Today, Jan. 9, is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Heartfelt thanks to our Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department for all they do to keep us safe. It is important that our citizens recognize the difficult law enforcement career they have chosen, in public service to us all. Again, many thanks!!
Congratulations to the new owners of the Red & White Store in Brussels. Justin and Faith (Maag) Ebershol, the name has now changed to MMES Red & White Store and hours remain the same at this time. I want to wish them the very best in their new undertaking. At the same time, a huge thank you to Doug and Sarah Wilschetz, who after 13 years of excellent service to our community and beyond, have decided to retire. Doug and Sarah, you have now climbed the mountain and it’s time to appreciate the view! Thanks again for everything!
On Monday, Dec. 26, the Francis Toppmeyer family held their Christmas dinner, gift exchange and day together. Among those present were Ed and Lisa Heffington, John and Julie Carnes, Todd and Jane Mandernach, Mark and Mark Toppmeyer and all their families. Lots of great food and fellowship.
Lincoln Kulp, son of Loren and Julie Kulp, celebrated his 7th birthday on Jan. 3. He celebrated the day before with his parents bowling at the Kingpin Lanes in Bridgeton and on his birthday enjoyed a Pizza Party with his buddies. Many more “happy ones” Lincoln!
Bob and Anita Nolte enjoyed Christmas Day with their daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Keith Ballard in O’Fallon, Ill. Joining them were Wayne and Audrey Nolte and Eric and Alexandria Ballard. Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal and afternoon together.
New Year’s Eve guests of George and Yvonne Baecht were Frank Baecht, Bill Taylor and nephew, Paula Wieneke and Keith and Becky Baecht and Samuel. The evening was spent playing cards and dominoes, visiting and later everyone enjoyed a wonderful buffet of tasty foods and desserts .
John and Kelley Heffington, Brantley and Graceyn of Golden Eagle and Jon and Melanie Tepen and sons of Batchtown flew to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to usher in the New Year. They stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya for a week enjoying the beach, beautiful weather and delicious food and drinks of the area.
Julie Pohlman of Grafton and Debbie Kamp of Golden Eagle enjoyed their annual holiday get-together on Thursday. This year they chose Josephine’s Tea Room in Godfrey where they dined and had a wonderful visit .
Congratulations to Commander Richard G. (Gary) Watson, presently stationed in Washington, DC, who was recently promoted to Captain. He graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. in 2018. He is the son of Melody and Rick Watson of Sapula, Okla. and grandson of Larry and Julie Bimslager of Golden Eagle. What a wonderful accomplishment in just four years of graduating!
The Calhoun County Fair Board held their Post Christmas Dinner and Party on Saturday evening. The event was held at Wittmond’s in Brussels with many in attendance.
Members of the late Bob and Lorraine Pohlman of Brussels held their Annual Christmas Dinner and Party on Sunday. This year the event was held at the home of Tony and Traci Caselton in Batchtown with over 25 family members in attendance. I’m sure Bob and Lorraine were looking down on all in attendance and smiling to see this annual family tradition continues each year.
John Carnes of Edwardsville was my helper and visitor on Saturday. His wife Julie and Caleb spent the afternoon with Francis Toppmeyer and other family members there that day. Thanks so much John for your time spent here and enjoying together the delicious food you brought for supper. Really appreciate all you do for me!
The High School Cheerleaders Competition Conference was held on Saturday at Edwardsville High School. Congratulations to the Edwardsville High School Cheerleaders who won First Place. Mia Rowe, daughter of Donny and Lynette (Bimslager) Rowe of Glen Carbon was one of the cheerleaders. Also in attendance were her grandparents Larry and Julie Bimslager of Golden Eagle.
NOTICE: Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 1, the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry will only be open ONE day per week. Wednesday’s from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
REMINDER: St. Matthew Lutheran Church Services now start at 10 a.m. each Sunday.
REMINDER: Just wanted everyone to know that Postage goes up at midnight Jan. 22 from 60-cents to 63-cents. The “Forever” Stamps can be purchased before this date and of course used forever without additional postage.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Rosella Baalman, formerly of Meppen, who passed away on Jan. 3. Her Mass and burial was from St. Joseph Church on Saturday.
Birthday Blessings this week to my son John Carnes on Jan. 12 and my daughter Cyndi Axford on Jan. 14, also Frank German, Nancy Kulp, Randy Toppmeyer, Carol Friedel, Blake Kamp, Dakota Schulte, Debbie Kamp, Amanda Brodbeck, Dorothy Johnes and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
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MY PRAYER IS FOR NATIONAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT DAY
Father in Heaven, watch over all law enforcement officers. Give them the strength, courage and perseverance to endure unjust condemnation, danger and physical abuse to which they are at times subjected to. We pray for the men and women who have committed to serve and protect us. Grant these brave men and women your almighty protection. After their duty has ended, unite them safely with their families. Amen