Point News

By Editor | December 29, 2025 |

Last week temperatures ranged anywhere from 32 to even low 50’s for a couple days. Wednesday when it did warm up to 53 we had blustery winds between 45 to 50 MPH. Then along came Saturday with a high of 32 and by late afternoon a dusting of snow and down to 1degree in the rural areas by Sunday morning and only a high of 18. Today started at 12 degrees but expect a high of 40 with a gradual warming in the next few days. The first day of winter is next Sunday, January 21, and is referred to as the Winter Solstice. The Farmer’s Almanac says this day has the fewest hours of sunlight, making it the shortest day of the year. And, from this point on the days begin to grow longer again until we reach the summer solstice, the first day of summer, and the longest day of the year.
Birthday Greetings to Lorraine Hillen who celebrated her 54th birthday this past week. Joining her to celebrate the occasion was her mother Bernadine Hillen and sisters and brothers-in-law Laura and Jim Hazelwonder and Sandy and Vernon Harris. Lorraine lives at the CILA Home in Hardin.
Steve Rose of Golden Eagle attended the Carpenters District Council meeting on Wednesday night in St. Louis. Congratulations to him on receiving his 40-year pin as a member of the Carpenters Union. He was a former employee of HBD Contracting in St. Louis. HBD now has merged with the Russell Group Construction Co.
On Friday I was a guest of my son, John Carnes at the St. Louis Food Association Annual Christmas Dinner and party at Syberg’s Restaurant. This was my 14th year I have joined my son for this occasion and have made lots of friends there over the years. John is one of the officers of SAFA and always emcees the program each year. Everyone enjoys the gift exchange, as well as a game called “Let’s Make a Deal”. Many thanks for inviting me once again John, I always enjoy this event.
Friday evening Roy and Barb Hagen accompanied Tony Moennig and friend Judy Peer to Carrollton where they attended the visitation of Janet Lake at St. John’s Catholic Church. Janet passed away on December 6 at Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton. Her funeral was on Saturday at St. John’s and attended by Bonnie Held and Mary Lee Rose. Janet is survived by her husband Bob and their 9 children, one son and eight girls. After the visitation Roy, Barb, Tony and Judy dined at the Brass Door Restaurant.
Congratulations to my granddaughter Mackenzie Axford, daughter of Trevor and Cyndi Axford of Chesterfield, MO. The Graduation Ceremony was held on Sunday at Maryville University in Town & Country, MO. Mackenzie received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She was also presented with the Dr. Rebecca Mann Award for Outstanding Master’s of Business Student. Joining her parents at the ceremony and dinner afterwards were Madison and David Morrow. In celebration afterwards the group dined at Annie Gunn’s Steakhouse in Chesterfield.
Congratulations also to Logan Jacobs who completed her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from Maryville University on Sunday. Logan is the daughter of Pam (Craig) Friedel and Roy Jacobs, Jr. Her grandparents are Pat Jacobs and Everett and Karen Friedel.
On Sunday St. Matthew Lutheran Church held their Christmas Program with the children of the congregation telling the story of the birth of Baby Jesus. They also sang many beautiful Christmas Carols which were enjoyed by those in attendance.
On Sunday afternoon the Winneberg Clubhouse held a Holiday Vendor Event. Those attending enjoyed the wine tasting bar, as well as a hot chocolate bar after making their purchases.
Congratulations to Drew Baalman and Elly Pohlman who were wed on Saturday at St. Mary’s Church in Brussels. A reception and dance followed at the K. C. Hall in Hardin. Elly is the daughter of Greg and Susan Pohlman of Meppen and Drew the son of Kristy (and the late Mark) Baalman of Hardin.
The Hartman 9th Annual Sibling Christmas Dinner was enjoyed over the weekend. Brian Hartman, along with his sisters Ann (Hartman) Kirn and Carla Hartman enjoyed dining at the Stoney River Steakhouse in Chesterfield, MO. and even had their photo taken with Santa Claus.
The Sons of the American Legion are holding a Membership /Christmas Dinner on Friday evening, December 19. The doors will open at 5 PM and the dinner at 6 PM at the Brussels American Legion Hall.
The Brussels Community Unit School District middle school-junior high students from Brussels, along with the Calhoun Junior High, St. Mary’s School and St. Norbert’s School enjoyed an evening together on Friday at the Brussels Grade School Cafeteria. There were 75 people in attendance who enjoyed dancing, singing and spending the evening together. The high schoolers transformed the room for the event, along with the help of teachers Mrs. Hartle, Mrs. Manker and Mrs. Kiel. Sounds like everyone had a wonderful time.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Melba Droege, age 94 who passed away on November 27 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Gillespie. Melba was the only child of the late Oren and Luella (Kinder) Maguire. She wed Robert Droege in December of 1950. Robert passed in 2005, as well as her son Patrick Droege in 2018 and grandsons J. C. Droege and Craig Ulrich, also preceded in death by the late Gene and Valeria (Droege) Baalman, brother-in-law Howard Droege, sister-in-law Roseann (Droege) Friedel, and her in-laws Aureus and Emma Droege. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law Patricia (Daniel) Ulrich of Gillespie and their family and sister-in-law Loretta Droege. Visitation was on December 10 from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by service at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey. Burial at Wilson Cemetery in Batchtown.
Birthday Blessings this week to Robert Kaibel, Belle Friedel, Robert Nolte, Steve Droege, Keith Hagen, Jessica Davis, Kevin Halemeyer, Rose Schnettgoecke, Kelly Mazzacavallo, Carol Ann Kiel, Angie Willman, Camden Bonner and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Gerald and Carrie Friedel, Phil and Carole Seiferman, Derrick and Jan Bick, Lloyd and Debbie DeSherlia and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
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PRAYER FOR 3rd WEEK IN ADVENT
Dear Lord, as we anticipate Jesus’ coming; our prayers center on thanking God for the gift of salvation, finding joy in His presence and asking for His Spirit to fill our hearts with gladness, despite worldly challenges. Help us to see Your promises fulfilled and to rejoice in Your everlasting love. In Jesus’ name, Amen