Point News

By Editor | May 13, 2026 |

My apologies for no Point News last week. I was in SSM St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Charles, MO for a couple heart procedures and when I was dismissed, I spent a few days with each of my daughters’ and their families. Many thanks to them for the great care I received.

Campbell James Jackson, son of Jason and Shannon (Kamp) Jackson of Godfrey, was baptized on May 3 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Brussels. Godparents were Emily Krakowski and Blake Kamp. Grandparents are Danny and Brenda Jackson of Godfrey and Jeff and Debbie Kamp of Golden Eagle. A celebration dinner was held after the Baptism and worship serve at Fountain Hill Restaurant in Grafton.
Thomas John Weigel, son of Collin and Kailyn (Baalman) Weigel, and brother of Eloise Weigel, was baptized at St. Mary’s Church in Brussels on May 3. Godparents were Chelsea Bonner and Joe Baalman. Grandparents are Matt and Michelle Baalman, great grandparents Ken and Chris Pelitier (and the late Dr. Bernard and Joan Baalman). Grandparents on Collins side that were present, Becky Weigel, Keith and Kelly Weigel, also great-grandparents Bernell Weigel, Ronald Weigel and Ruth Johnson, and the late Dick and Oma Lee Longnecker. After the Baptism Collin and Kailyn took baby Tommy to visit great grandpa Ronnie and four generation photos were taken.
Congratulations to Samantha Macauley who graduated on Saturday, May 9, from Western Illinois University. She graduated with a Baccalaureate Degree in Business Management. In attendance were her mother, Lynette Macauley, brother Shane Macauley and close friend and former babysitter, Marilyn Fuhler.
Congratulations to Shane Macauley who graduated Cum Laude from Illinois State University on May 8. In attendance at his graduation were his mother Lynette Macauley, sister Samantha and her boyfriend Blaine and his grandmother Yvonne Macauley. In the summer of 2025 Shane was an intern at Segal Co. in Chicago, IL and then worked for them part time while in his last year of college. He now has accepted a full-time position with them and will be moving to Chicago in June.
Mother’s Day visitors and dinner guests of Mary Lou and Paul Goetze were their daughters Patricia Goetze and Ann Marie Pohlman and family.
Congratulations to Madalyn Nolte of Brussels High School and Stella Gress of Calhoun High School who recently were Scholarship Winners of the Calhoun Community Foundation. Students planning to pursue a degree or certification in one of the following; engineering, land surveying, architecture, construction management or a construction-related skilled trade were eligible to be considered for these scholarships. Madalyn is the daughter of Chad and Melissa Nolte of Golden Eagle, graduating from Brussels High School on May 23, 2026. She plans to attend Lewis and Clark Community College where she will begin her general education requirements to major in Surveying and Civil Engineering. Stella is the daughter of Jeff and Amanda Gress of Batchtown, graduating from Calhoun High School on May 24th. She will attend SIU in Carbondale where she will major in Architecture. We wish them both great success in their education and career journeys.
Brussels High School students and staff recently enjoyed a class trip to the St. Louis Art Museum. They enjoyed exploring classics, masterpieces and modern works of art.
Congratulations to Shirley Medling, Calhoun County Dispatcher, who was honored at the April meeting of the Two-Rivers Crime Stoppers. Thanks to Shirley for making our communities safer and stronger due to her dedication which makes all the difference. Shirley is a woman whose dedication and instinct made all the difference on a day none of us will ever forget. She answered a call from fellow Volunteer Ambulance member and firefighter who was in the middle of a heart attack. Shirley became the lifeline he desperately needed. Her training guided her, but it was her compassion, her steadiness and her refusal to panic that truly saved his life.
Modern Woodmen and leader Angie Willman recognized Mrs. Jeanne Johnes of Brussels High School National Honor Society with the Hometown Hero Award. The NHS supports Brussels Girl Scouts, the American Legion, the Brussels Schools and the Brussels Heritage Park. Mrs. Johnes, sponsor, and the National Honor Society are congratulated on a well-deserved honor.
Congratulations to Lauren Rexing, daughter of John and Terri Rexing of Grafton, who was awarded the Rachel M. Romas Award at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology the end of April. This award is given to a student who displays high character, great achievement in academic and institution initiatives, and shows promise for continuing these exemplary qualities as an alumni. She will graduate on May 30 with a Masters in Engineering Management. Lauren is the granddaughter of Gary (and the late Gertie) Snyders of Meppen.
The Brussels Girl Scouts had their End of Year Ceremony on Sunday afternoon, May 3, at Pere Marquette State Park. The Scouts and their families enjoyed a picnic lunch at one of the pavilions as they tried to solve “Mystery at Camp Trefoil” presented by the older Girl Scouts. After lunch the Scouts received their badges and patches that they earned through the 2025-26 scouting year. This was followed by a bridging ceremony for those Scouts moving up to the next level of scouting. After the ceremony everyone enjoyed fishing and hiking for the rest of the afternoon.
On Mother’s Day I accompanied my children to the Fill-In Restaurant in Batchtown. Arriving earlier that morning was Dennis and Shelly Scherer of Wright City, MO, who took me to church service at St. Matthew’s. Afterwards we were joined by Cyndi and Trevor Axford of Chesterfield, MO and John Carnes of Edwardsville. Had a few others planning to join us but were under the weather. The meal and service were excellent. Thanks to the Axford’s for treating us to dinner. The Fill-In was filled with many diners, as well as many that came for carry-outs. Then go back to my house to visit, take photos and later enjoy dessert. Thanks to all my children and their families for the wonderful gifts and flowers I received.
Visitors of Roy and Barb Hagen on Wednesday evening were Judy Devening and daughter Paige and Jan Bick from St. Peters and O’Fallon, MO area. They brought Mother’s Day gifts to Barb and also enjoyed dinner and a great visit with them.
Visitors several days last week of Yvonne Baecht was her daughter Lynette Eberhardt of Chenoa, IL. On Sunday they were joined at St. Matthew Church service by Keith and Becky Baecht, son Samuel and Sue Underwood all of Jerseyville. Afterwards they all enjoyed Mother’s Day dinner at Yvonne’s home.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jacqueline (Jackie) Price of Bonita Springs, Florida, who passed away on April 26, 2026. In September of 1962 she married Don Price and together they raised two daughters Megan Price and Stephanie Erthal, both of the St. Louis area. Jackie is survived by her husband Don who shared over 63 years together, also two daughters and two grandchildren, Anne and Charles Erthal. Don was the Pharmacist at Calhoun Drug from 1972 until 2007 and Jackie devoted these 35 years supporting his profession. Her Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Jerseyville on Friday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to time of service at 11 a.m. Burial to follow at the Carrollton City Cemetery.
Birthday Blessings this week to my granddaughter Mackenzie Axford, also Chris Titus, Lenny Kiel, Timothy Barrett, Patricia Goetze, Patrick Ward, Hank Fortschneider, Natalie Weiner, Charles “Chipper” Burch, Christine Schulze and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Nate and Ally Sagez, Cliff and Yvonne Nolte, John and Linda Macauley, Greg and Barb Kinder and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
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BELATED MOTHER’S DAY PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, Bless the Mothers of newborn babies, give them joy in nurturing new life. Bless the Mothers of young children, give them understanding and guidance to instill true values in their children. Bless the Mothers of teenagers. Give them wisdom and courage to lead their children to adulthood and mature Christian faith. Bless all Mothers, help them as their children grow older and need them less. Give them the joy of seeing them prosper. Bless them with the grace of seeing their families grow closer to God by living the message of Your Gospel. In Your name, Amen