Point News

By Editor | March 31, 2026 |

Temperature last Sunday 90, which broke a record, then first couple days of the week only mid-50 to 60 until Wednesday and Thursday when it again broke a record for high temperatures, Friday and Saturday back to mid-50’s. Like the old saying goes “if you don’t like the weather today, just stick around and it will most likely change tomorrow”. Sounds like this week more of the same.
Congratulations to Joseph “Joey” and Meghan Ohlendorf on the birth of a son born Saturday, March 21. The infant, weighing 7 lbs 9 ounces and 20.6 inches long, has been given the name Maverick Duane. Grandparents are John and Mary Ohlendorf of Golden Eagle.
Congratulations to Max Toppmeyer who recently signed his letter of intent with South Western Illinois (SWI) College. He will be playing baseball for SWI and also moving forward on his journey of becoming an electrician. Max is the son of Mark and Mary Toppmeyer of Golden Eagle and grandson of Joan Bonner of Meppen and Francis Toppmeyer of Golden Eagle.
The National Professional Agriculture Student (PAS) Conference was held in Branson, MO. March 9-12. Olivia Brodbeck, who attends Western Illinois University School of Agriculture, attended the National Competition as an experience and not anticipating placing since she was competing against all guys. She assumed they had the most experience with FFA and PAS prior to this year but as it turned out she ended up placing 2nd in Precision Agriculture. She was one of three Western Illinois University agriculture students that earlier earned the right to compete back on February 12 during the Spring 2026 Professional Agricultural Students PAS Conference in Macomb. Olivia, your preparation and hard work paid off, so proud of you. She is the daughter of Chad and Amanda Brodbeck of Batchtown.
On Palm Sunday afternoon all the members of my family were present to celebrate Easter a week early and enjoy a wonderful dinner at the Longhorn Steak House in St. Peters. At this time we also celebrated the birthday of Brittney Holdinghausen of Festus and myself, along with the second wedding anniversary of David and Madison (Axford) Morrow, Present were Dennis and Shelly Scherer, Trevor and Cyndi Axford and Mackenzie, John and Julie Carnes and Caleb, Ashley Kirn and children Noah and Addy, Ashley’s friend Ben Ketcherside, Jamie and Joanie, Daniel and Brittney Holdinghausen, Sam and Elliot, David and Madison Morrow and myself. We all enjoyed a delicious steak dinner and birthday cake to celebrate Brittney and my birthday. Many thanks to all the family for planning this and also for the wonderful birthday gifts.
The last fish fry of the Brussels American Legion for this Lenten season was on Friday night and well attended. The Brussels Girl Scouts helped with the cleaning of tables and hosting another bake sale to benefit the Legion’s improvement to their building. Many thanks to both these groups for the wonderful fish dinner and for the Girl Scouts for helping both weeks.
Weekend visitors and helpers of Yvonne Baecht were her son Keith and grandson Samuel Baecht of Jerseyville. They brought carry-outs from the Brussels Legion fish fry for all to enjoy. Lots of outdoor work was taken care of while they were here and much appreciated by Yvonne.
The live stage presentation of “Annie” at the Kampsville Gym was well attended Thursday through Sunday. This was the Calhoun Entertainment Company’s 37th year to present a play under the direction of Jerry Sievers. The actors and actresses, costume designers, stagehands, carpenters and painters of the sets, etc. deserve a huge thank you. Each year this event takes many weeks of planning, rehearsing and putting on these live plays. Thanks to Jerry and all the crew involved in this each year.
An Easter Egg Hunt was held on Saturday afternoon, the 28th at Winneberg Clubhouse in Golden Eagle. Lots of other fun activities for the children as well, including face painting, games and even a petting zoo.
The community was saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Nolle, age 60, of Golden Eagle who passed away on Tuesday, March 24 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. There will be no visitation, but a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 4, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Mount Hope in Michael, IL. He is survived by his loving wife Sandy (Pohlman) Nolle, four daughters, Courtney (Jeremy) Vanover, Brittany (Michael) Elliott, Allison (Nate) Sagez and Shelby (Wyatt) Revelle and their families. Also, Kevin’s father Roland Nolle, his siblings Rhonda (Farley) Smith, Randy (Lisa) Nolle and his twin brother Kendall (Becky) Nolle and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dr. Jeanne Nolle. Kevin was well known by many as he was employed by IDOT as a pilot on the Brussels Ferry for many years.
St. Matthew Church will be having Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services at 7 p.m. both nights. On Easter Sunday Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. with free will offering to be used for Vacation Bible School. Then at 9:30 a.m. the children’s Easter egg hunt followed by church service at 10 a.m.
Events coming up in April. St. Barbara Church in Batchtown will be holding a Turtle Soup Dinner on Saturday, April 11, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. Soup will be available by bowl, quart or gallon. They will also serve roast beef sandwiches, hotdogs and dessert. A new stairlift is now available at the back of the church for those needing assistance.
On Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m. there will be a Kids Quarter Auction at St. Joseph’s Hall in Meppen. Modern Woodmen will be sponsoring this fundraiser to help the Brussels PTO/Parent Club to help with buying playground and classroom items. All proceeds raised from this project will be matched up to $500.
Birthday Blessings this week to Bill Halemeyer, Marshall Sagez, Beau Kiel, Barb Pohlman, Lucas Dunse, Angeline Klaas, Gerald Friedel, Kerry Pohlman, Robin Stotler, Trey Isaacson, Amy Hurley, Kristy (Vaughn) Weed, Paige Isaacson, Michael Stotler and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Joe and Becky Caselton, Neal and Tracey Rose and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
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EASTER PRAYER
O Risen Christ, on Easter morning You rose from the dead. Today, you wipe away our tears with victory over sin and death. You forgive our sins and give us eternal life in the breaking of the bread at Your altar. You give us peace and wipe away our fears and doubts. You open Your Scriptures and give us saving faith. We rejoice that You arose, we thank You, Our risen king, that life eternal You did bring. In Your holy name we pray. Alleluia, Amen