Point News

By Editor | January 15, 2026 |

Very unusual weather for the month of January, we started out last Monday at 60 and by Thursday in upper 60’s, then a half inch of rain and temperatures have dropped ever since. Yesterday it only reached a high of 38, weatherman says these see-saw temperatures continue throughout this week.
Congratulations to Kevin Carey and Holly Kinder on the birth of a daughter born on Thursday, January 8 at Alton Memorial Hospital. The infant, weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces and 19-1/2 inches long has been given the name Ella Alizabeth. Grandparents are Jeff and Kathy (Carnes) Carey of Brussels and Joe and Cyndi Kinder of Golden Eagle. Great Grandmothers Margie Carnes and Karen Schobernd.
Congratulations to Jeremy and Kaitlin (Kinder) Maggart on the birth of a son on Saturday, January 3 at Alton Memorial Hospital. The infant, weighing 6 pounds 10.7 ounces and 18 inches long has been given the name Brooks Harvey. Grandparents are Keith and Rachelle Kinder and Ron and Karen Maggart. Great grandparents are Gilbert and Shirley Kinder of Golden Eagle and Rach and Nancy Lippincott. Brooks has an older brother, Ridge and a sister Sophia.
Enjoying Christmas break at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach, MO. was Steve and Pat Tepen and family members C. J. and Angie Tepen, Camilla and Abbott and Joey and Chelsie Kiel, Charlie, Stevie, Toby and Mary. Everyone enjoyed the indoor water park, miniature golf, bowling and other activities available at the resort.
Happy to hear the Calhoun County Open House at the Marvin Richter Government Building in Hardin was well attended. Everyone got to see the recently completed renovations and its new elevator, along with historic displays on the history of Calhoun County.
On Sunday our recently retired Sheriff Bill Heffington was honored at Straight Home party room in Hardin with many family members and friends in attendance. Many thanks once again Bill for your 19 years of service to the citizens of Calhoun County. You did a great job and deserve this long-awaited retirement. Chief Deputy Zach Hardin is now acting sheriff and at the 2026 election he will be running for the position of Sheriff. He has served Calhoun County Sheriff’s office since 2019 when he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff, then promoted to Sergeant in December of 2022 where he served as the Patrol Supervisor before being promoted to Chief Deputy Sheriff in March of 2024. Best of luck and enjoyment in your retirement Bill, you will be missed.
I also wish to thank Tammy Betts for her 18 years as Calhoun’s Lead Dispatcher and Administrative Coordinator with the Calhoun County’s Sheriff Office. Happy to hear she will be assisting in the transition following Sheriff Heffington’s retirement. In the capacity of Full Time Lead Dispatcher she’s looking forward to enjoying her retirement from that. You will also be missed Tammy when calls are made to the Sheriff’s office, and we won’t hear your helpful voice.
Dr. Jacob Maag recently announced his Grafton Veterinarian Clinic is about to open. The phone line is open to call and appointments can be scheduled by dialing 618-786-4883.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Doris Mossman, age 100, who passed away on January 8, 2026 at Evercare of Hardin. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Brink) Gerdesmeyer. Married on March 2, 1946 to Clarence Mossman, Jr. Doris was the mother to Allan, Carol (Bob) Weishar of Golden Eagle, Pam (Joe) Ritter of Kansas City and Michelle (Roger) Hagen of Hardin and their families. In addition to her parents and her husband she was also preceded in death by her son Allan and her three sisters Cecilia Schlinker, Marie Roth and Melba Jean Elbe. Her mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 16 at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church with Rev. Don Roberts officiating.
Birthday Blessings this week to my son John Carnes and my daughter Cyndi Axford, also Sydney McCall Carol (Murphy) Friedel, Blake Kamp, Dakota Schulte, Debbie Kamp, Amanda Brodbeck, Dorothy Johnes, John Baltisberger, Agnes Kamp, Mary Vogel, Brad Macauley and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to David and Makayla (Weishaar) Ward on their 1st Anniversary, also Elden and Susan Kinder and other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
PRAYER FOR THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD (January 11)
Father, we thank You for the gift of Baptism. Thank You for adopting us and making us heirs of Your promises. Jesus, thank you for being baptized, and for clothing us in Your righteousness. Holy Spirit, thank You for giving us faith, peace and comfort. Triune God, thank You for doing all the work of our salvation so we can live with You forever. Amen
Missed from last week:
The Francis Toppmeyer family held their Christmas dinner and party on Saturday, Dec. 20. Every family attending brought such wonderful food to share and enjoy. Present were Ed and Lisa Heffington, their daughters Matt and Ellen Nickels and daughters Laykin and Lainey of Springfield, and Evan and Emily Kane and children Auggie and Franny of Godfrey, John and Julie Carnes and Caleb of Edwardsville, Chad and Jane Mandernick and Wyatt from Marthasville, MO and Mark and Mary Toppmeyer, Max, Mary & fiancée Josh Wieneke. The afternoon was spent visiting, opening gifts and photo taking. That evening John, Julie and Caleb visited at my house and we had our gift exchange a bit early. John had also come over in the afternoon to help with a few things around the place which I always appreciate.
Steve and Carol Drainer and daughter Tess of Jerseyville hosted their Christmas with the Stepanek family on Sunday. Present were Carol Stepanek, Joe and Angie Tepen, Amber and Kodie Ewen and family, Bobby and Bonnie Stepanek and sons, Joey & Bev Stepanek, Stanley and April and son Jed. Ann Stepanek and a couple others I did not get names of. It sounds like they had a wonderful meal and so many choices for dessert that Carol made. Afterwards gift opening, taking photos and great afternoon of visiting.
Jeanne Johnes and daughter Abby, along with Teresa Church and Kelsey Meyer flew to New York City recently. There they enjoyed all the beautiful Christmas decorations, Times Square. The huge Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, the beautifully decorated department store windows and the light display every night on Fifth Avenue, Central Park holiday lights and many other places of interest such as the 911 Memorial, Empire State Building, etc while on their five day visit to the “Big Apple.”
Roy and Barb Hagen and all the Hagen family were guests of Derrick and Jan Bick in O’Fallon, MO. on Christmas Eve. So much delicious food, games, gift opening and an all-around great time together.
On Wednesday afternoon, December 24, I drove to Chesterfield, MO to spend Christmas Eve and Day with Trevor and Cyndi Axford and Mackenzie in Chesterfield, MO. Early evening we were joined by David and Madison Morrow and we all attended Christmas Eve services at Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Afterwards we enjoyed dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse in Clayton. On Christmas Day we were joined by Dennis and Shelly Scherer, Ashley Kirn, Noah and Addy, Brittney and Daniel Holdinghausen and sons Sam and Elliot and John and Julie Carnes and Caleb. Appetizers and various cold liquid refreshments in the afternoon and that evening a delicious meal prepared and served by Cyndi and Mackenzie. This was followed by a wonderful evening together. I stayed overnight and did a bit of after-Christmas shopping with the girls. The following day I drove to Wright City, MO to spend a few days with Dennis and Shelly Scherer and on Sunday celebrated Christmas all over again with them and family. Thanks to all of them for their accommodations, all the great gifts and a wonderful time together during the holidays.
Christmas Day dinner guests of Yvonne Baecht were Keith and Becky Baecht, Matthew and Samuel, Sue Underwood, Lynette and Matt Eberhardt and Daniel and Leann Baecht and Connor. Lots of great food, a wonderful day together,
Neal Friedel had a kidney transplant on Nov. 11 and the donor was Ken Perry, the husband of Neal’s sister, Mary. Ken and Mary live in Hazelwood, MO. Neal and Ken are both doing remarkably well. Willie and Renee Rose, neighbors of Neal and Charlene Friedel, organized a group of 50 plus people to go Caroling at Neal and Charlene’s on Sunday evening, Dec. 21. Judy Friedel and husband from St. Charles were in the group and Judy said it was extremely touching and gave them a bit of cheer. Neal can’t be around anyone for three months. He and Charlene came out the front door and onto the porch to hear the many Carols that were sung and all the people who were on their lawn. Their children in the meantime are staying with grandpa and grandma Bob and Carol Weishaar. Ken Perry truly gave Neal “the gift of life”. Keep Neal and Ken in your prayers for a speedy recovery.
Birthday Blessings to Dorothy Meyer, Terry Woelfel, Tom Held, Kevin Carey, Sharon Nance, Kevin Eberlin, Missy Rowling, Mindy Snider, and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Robert and Anita Nolte, Andy and Rachel Hartman and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.