Point News

By Editor | February 24, 2026 |

Weather is still up and down, from upper 50’s, then upper 60’s and by Wednesday and Thursday in the low 70’s. Then comes the weekend with temperatures in the 40’s and by Sunday morning a low of 18 and a high of 32. The forecast for this week is in the low 50’s and by Saturday possibly up to 64.
My first news item begins with an apology. I saw the word “Married” listed on Facebook along with photos and assumed Reese Kiel and Catherine Hoecker were married on the beach on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Instead, they became engaged there and the wedding to follow later. It all started with a cruise which also included Kevin and Tammy Kiel, Reese’s parents of Brussels and of course Reese and Catherine’s adorable little girl Isabella who is now seven months old. First stop was Cozumel, Mexico for a few days, then on to the Grand Cayman Islands and last of all arriving in Jamaica on February 13. It was there Reese proposed to Catherine and of course she replied “yes.” Tammy and Kevin Kiel enjoyed the cruise as well and are elated with the engagement of their son Reese to Catherine Hoecker of Columbia, MO.
Colton and Emma Snyders and daughter Emberly enjoyed Valentine’s Day afternoon in St. Charles. They took Emberly to Wild Sprouts, a children’s indoor play area. Afterwards they enjoyed a delicious meal at Olive Garden before returning home.
Congratulations to Olivia Brodbeck, daughter of Chad and Amanda Brodbeck. Olivia was one of three Western Illinois University Agriculture students that earned the right to compete at nationals during the Spring 2026 Professional Agricultural Students Conference held last Thursday. All three will now go on to compete in the national competition beginning on Monday, March 9 in Branson, MO. Best of luck to them at that time.
The Calhoun County Farm Bureau kicked off FFA Week beginning last Monday. FFA Week is officially February 16-20. FFA isn’t just about playing in the dirt, showing livestock or driving a tractor. It’s about learning to become self-sufficient and grow into tomorrow’s Leaders. At the Calhoun High School each day last week a specific topic was assigned, such as Service, Kindness, Community and Teamwork. Happy to hear the Future Farmers of America are still going strong in Calhoun.
Congratulations to Mrs. Pam Long who has been selected by the Board of Education of Brussels District #42 to serve as Superintendent for the 2026-2027 school year. Mrs. Long has dedicated more than six years to Brussels Community District serving as both Elementary Principal and Junior High/High School Principal. During that time, she has led significant district improvements, including technology and infrastructure upgrades, implementation of “TeacherEase” student information system, expansion of instructional supports, developed new course offerings, strengthened communication systems and secured a Stronger Connections Grant to support student safety and mental health. She has an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and experience in budget development, grant management, personnel leadership and district operations. The Board of Education made an excellent choice, and we wish her the best in this new role.
Congratulations also to Mrs. Trish Long, selected by the Board of Education for the 2026-2027 school year. Her new position includes Brussels Junior High and High School Principal and Athletic Director. She currently serves as Dean of Students and is a dedicated 6th and 7th grades English, Math and Science teacher. We also wish her the best in this new position.
I would like to thank Yvonne Baecht for driving me to Jerseyville Hospital last week for blood tests, EKG and MRI. I really appreciate all she does for me. Hopefully these tests will get to the bottom of my health issues in the near future.
The St. Mary’s School Benefit was a huge success on Saturday evening. Everyone enjoyed the chicken dinner, raffles, and online bidding on the many silent auction items.
I hope you have your calendar marked for March 15 for the Sons of the American Legion Bingo Day at the Brussels American Legion Hall. The doors open at 12 noon with food available for purchase and the games start at 1 PM. The proceeds from this benefit will be used for some upcoming construction to the Legion Hall. Modern Woodmen will match funds up to $1,500.
Also coming up in March is the Calhoun Entertainment Company Spring Musical entitled “Annie.” The dates are March 26, 27 and 28 for evening performances at 7 PM and a matinee at 2 PM on March 29 at the Kampsville Center for Archeology. Tickets are available at all locations of both Bank of Kampsville and Bank of Calhoun, Hardin Package Liquor, Northside Family Foods and the Fill In Restaurant in Batchtown. This is always a wonderful production under the direction of Jerry Sievers.
Our community was indeed saddened to learn of the passing of a former Golden Eagle resident, Julie Pohlman, on February 14 at her home in Grafton. She is survived by her beloved husband Fred Pohlman III, three sons Frederick IV (Jordynn) of Valley Park, MO, Sam and Emily Pohlman of Golden Eagle and Luke Pohlman (Stacia Dick) of Mechanicsburg, PA, her mother Janice Ridder of Jerseyville, her father and stepmother Rollie and Marj Madison of IA, her sister Jana Madison of Altoona, IA, her brother and sister-in-law Rollie and Jaime Madison of Spring Lake, MI. A cherished granddaughter, Eleanor, along with many dear friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her stepfathers, Richard Whiton and Walter Ridder and her father-in-law and mother-in-law Fred “Fritz” Jr. and Carol Sue Pohlman. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 7, beginning at 12 PM at the Grafton American Legion. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Birthday Blessings this week to Kelly Heffington, Will Hurley, Kim Devine, Patty Menkr, Janine (Zahrli) Hagen, Joe Tepen, Christine (Robeen) Klunk, Darren Pohlman, Mitchell Devine, Rachelle Kinder, Parker Ewen, Noel Jones, Bonnie Franke, Carol Hirschfeld and all other persons celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Kenny and Shelley Sievers, Jim and Theresa Johnes, Craig and Pam Friedel and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
–––––––––––––––––
Prayer for Lent
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of this most sacred season of Lent. Thank You for knowing our hearts, for drawing us into a deeper communion with You, as we walk, again, the way of the cross. This season, as we give ourselves, with great intentionality, to the reading of the Passion of Christ, may our relationship with You grow deeper. In Jesus’ name, Amen