Point News

By Editor | July 7, 2026 |

What a great memorable 4th of July weekend celebrating the legacy of the America Spirit. The courage of our military heroes and the nation’s 250th year journey of freedom. It was time to acknowledge our nation’s founding documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. We need to pay tribute to the founders and pioneers who built this great nation, to our active military troops and veterans, as well as our hard-working citizens. As we reflect on how far the United States has come since 1776, we now need to keep moving forward that legacy for generations to come.
The 150th Anniversary of the Village of Brussels and the 250th Anniversary of our great country was observed on Friday evening, July 3, at the Brussels Heritage Park in Brussels. It began with a parade, music by Highway 67, great food available, games for the children and last event of the evening was an out-standing Fireworks display. Many thanks to Mayor Emily Fortschneider, assisted by Kim Vogel, Angie Willman and many other volunteers. The streets of Brussels, St. Mary’s parking lot, Brussels Community bus parking lot and many driveways were filled with vehicles of people attending this great event. Many thanks to Mayor Emily Fortschneider, assisted by Kim Vogel, Angie Willman and many other volunteers for this outstanding celebration. The streets of Brussels, St. Mary’s parking lot, Brussels Community School bus parking lot and many driveways were filled with vehicles of people attending this great event of a lifetime.
Due to Friday being a work holiday for many I enjoyed having my son and grandson John and Caleb Carnes visit me and work around the place outdoors as well as indoors. We enjoyed lunch together and then back to work on that hot humid day with temperature reaching 93 degrees and the heat index well over 100*. Many thanks to them for their help, it was very much appreciated.
Joey and Chelsie Kiel, twins Stevie and Charlie, and Tobias and Mary enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Melbourne Beach, FL recently. This beach sits on a narrow barrier island on Florida’s Space Coast, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. I know they enjoyed the beach, beautiful sunrise views and the Atlantic coastline.
Mrs. Pam Long, Principal of Brussels Community High School, posted an awesome tribute last week thanking Dr. Lori Franke-Hopkins on her past year serving Brussels District #42 as Interim Superintendent. She spoke of her leading our district with grace, humility and purpose. She praised her for providing exceptional opportunities for the students, supporting the staff and strengthening partnerships with the student’s families. Always committing to doing what was best for the students, staff and community. I join in wishing Dr. Hopkins continued success as she begins her next chapter at the Regional Office of Education #40 that serves Calhoun, Greene, Jersey and Macoupin counties.
Happy Birthday to Gary Snyders who celebrated his 84th birthday last week at a luncheon. Present was his daughter Terri Rexing and granddaughter Lauren of Grafton, Lindy and Martha Bick and Barb Bick all of Batchtown, Shirleen (Bick) McCarey and other family members. Many more happy ones Gary.
Trevor and Cyndi Axford hosted their annual 4th of July Pool Party and barbecue on Saturday at their home in Chesterfield, MO. Present were Dennis and Shelly Scherer of Wright City, John and Caleb Carnes of Edwardsville, Ashley Kirn and children Noah and Adelaide and her friend Ben Ketcherside of Wentzville, David and Madison (Axford) Morrow, MacKenzie Axford all of Chesterfield and myself. Various appetizers and tropical beverages in the afternoon and then in the evening a wonderful meal and special ice cream dessert. I remained overnight and attended church on Sunday morning with the Axford family. Later in the afternoon I returned home. Many thanks Trevor and Cyndi for a wonderful celebration.
Deepest sympathy to the family of JoAnn (Klaas) Hillen of Jerseyville, age 87, who passed away on June 24, 2026. She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Pam and Dan Presgrave, Beth Hillen, Scott Hillen and Colleen Covington, Terry and Kathy Hillen and Matt Hillen and Meagan Grant, a brother and sister-in-law Wilfred and Pam Klaas and all their families. In addition to her parents Louis and Dorothy Klaas she was preceded in death by her husband Cliff Hillen, a granddaughter Savannah Hillen and her siblings, Steve (Marie) Klaas, Norman and Joan Klaas and Jim Klaas.
On Wednesday, July 8, 2026 the Francis Pohlman Legion Post #685 in Brussels invites you to join them and all Americans of the 50 states for the simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence at 5 p.m. at the Legion Hall.
Mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12 when the Flippin Food Truck will be at the Hagen Family Orchard parking lot from 11 a.m. until ?
The Calhoun Entertainment Company’s Jamboree is fast approaching. It will be held on Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m. at St. Ambrose Church Hall in Kampsville. They always serve delicious sandwiches and pie before the event and again at intermission. Great country music, comedy skits and even a few Gospel songs under the direction of Jerry Sievers.
Birthday Blessings this week to Bill Held, Bradley Bonner, Rachel Johnes, Barb (Held) Held, Gerry Schleeper, Clayton Murphy, Shelley Kinder, Tammy Kiel, Shirley Ewen, Isabella Kiel (1 year old),Roy Hagen, Kent Schulze, Brian Hartman, Clark Schuilze, Abby Johnes, Joey Kiel, Zack Katzenberger and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary Daniel and Hope (Weigel) Kemper, Bruce and Connie Sievers, Jason and Mary Hoemmen, Josh and Renee Kinder and all other couples celebrate their wedding anniversary this week.
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PRAYER FOR
SEASONAL WEATHER
Heavenly Father, You generously supply us with fields and gardens bursting with good gifts from You. We thank You for the wisdom You have given farmers who so diligently and faithfully cultivate the land. We ask You to give us seasonable weather, adequate rain, sufficient sun and appropriate temperatures for the growing season. Help us to share our abundance with others.