Point News

By Editor | January 27, 2026 |

This extreme cold weather and two days of snow can stop any time. Temperatures have been terribly cold since Friday, only a high of 24, Saturday daytime high was 11 with morning low of 3, Sunday I had Zero in the morning and then a high of 15 and for today the weatherman predicts up to 16. Of course, the Golden Eagle, Kampsville and Brussels ferries all closed by Friday evening and by the looks of things will not be running for quite a while. Calhoun Ferry Co. did move up to Winfield and to the best of my knowledge is still operating daily.
Julie Kulp and son Lincoln spent last week at Disneyworld in Orlando, FL. They stayed at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and celebrated Lincoln’s 10th Birthday. They took in all the attractions during the week, starting out with the Magic Kingdom, then Epcot Center, Pandora, The World of Avatar, Disney Springs and more. They especially enjoyed the many roller coaster rides including the TRON high speed motorbike style roller coaster ride, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. What a terrific birthday gift and one Lincoln will never forget.
Recently a group of forty people enjoyed a cruise on the Carnival Cruise Line to the Dominican Republic. They visited the Amber Coast, St. Martens, St. Thomas, San Juan Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Those who enjoyed the cruise were: John and Angie Willman and Madison, Mitchell Willman and Sophia Baalman, Donny and Jessica Droege, Dylan and Jayleigh, Jason and Brandi Wieneke, Bruce and Connie Sievers, Bob and Donna Mulkins, Don and Denise Knight, Rick and Kim Eberlin, Brett and Sue Pohlman, Jacob and Kristen Witt, Danny and Diane Herman, Kyra Georgivits, Wayne and Colleen Baalman, McKenzie, Peyton and Ty, Curt and Cheri Peters, Terry and Mary Lou Klocke, Jeff and Karen Baalman, Ted and Lisa Critchfield and Megan Tavin. What a wonderful cruise with family and friends.
Congratulations to Jeff Kamp who was selected as the Illinois Coaches Association of the Year for 2025 ICA Softball IESA 2A Schools. He received this as a coach for the Calhoun Jr. High Coop that covers athletes from Brussels District #42, St. Mary’s School, St. Norbert’s School and the Calhoun Schools. He and Debbie will be attending the Banquet on Sunday, February 1, at which time he will receive his award.
On Thursday Yvonne Baecht, Anita Nolte, Barb Sperlo and myself enjoyed dining at the Fountain Hill Restaurant in Grafton. Sorry that Vera Droege was not able to join us due to a last minute family issue. We all enjoyed the entrees we ordered, and the owner “Sonny” even came out to visit our quilting group. The food was delicious and we’ll be going back again when spring gets here.
Reminder: The Brussels Girl Scouts are hosting a Me and My Guy Dance on Saturday evening at the Brussels American Legion Hall from 5 to 8 p.m. All girls 3 years up to young teens are invited to attend with their special guy. There will be a delicious dinner served along with dancing and fun activities. Each couple will receive a special keepsake photo, and the young ladies will each get a stuffed animal. To sign up please contact Diane Tepen @618-946-2002, Amanda Brodbeck @618-535-7304, or Debbie Kamp 618-883-2162. The theme this year is Ladies and Lumberjacks. The ladies can dress as fancy as they choose. Their special date can come in cozy jeans and flannel shirt or dress more formal if they desire. It will be a fun evening for all.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Betty Bieker of Golden Eagle, age 89, that passed away on Monday, Jan. 19. Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again Thursday morning from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Brussels. Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church. Betty is survived by three sons, Anthony (Nancy) Bieker, Richard (Kerry) Bieker and Don (JoAnn) Bieker and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene, three sisters, two brothers and a grandson Allen Stelbrink.
Birthday Blessings this week to Larry Wieneke, Cole Bick, Kory Pohlman, Judy (Schobernd) Kinder, Nancy Moennig, Carol Stepanek, Renee Ballard. Janet Lorsbach, Doug Wilschetz, Mary Ann Godar, Rosie Bick, Kevin Eilerman, Judy (Hagen) Devening, Lynette (Baecht) Eberhardt. Sandy Kulp, Kara (Pohlman) Huston, Susie Purvis, Helen Claus and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Charles and Gwen Burch, Lonnie and Loretta Hattemar, Jeff and Paula Schleeper and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
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Prayer for the Third Sunday after Epiphany
Dear Lord, You are the light to all nations, answering the call to discipleship and healing ministry. We pray to You for grace to readily follow Jesus and share the Good News, so all may see His glory. May we always put our faith in Your mercy and always live in hope and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen