Point News

By Editor | April 21, 2026 |

Last week was a warm one with temperatures in the 80’s but since the rain Friday night it has cooled off and back in the 60 degrees. I didn’t really hear how much rain we got but I know north of us got plenty and now the Calhoun Ferry Company has moved to the upper landing. It appears this week in the upper 60 to mid-70-degree range.
The Brussels Woman’s Club met on Friday at the Wittmond Hotel. After lunch the business session was held. Under new business is the May meeting, at which time we all bring an assortment of items to fill the large laundry baskets for the Women’s Crisis Center. We have 9 members, but we always fill 10 baskets of cleaning supplies, kitchen and bath items, personal items, etc. for when the women are finally able to move to a home of their own. Jean Barton is the chairman of this program and has been in charge since the passing of former member Jane Herter who began this program many years ago. Present were Elaine Eberlin, Judy Burch, Jean Barton, Linda Wrigley, Mary Kirn and new members Julie Eberlin and Margaret Nolte. After the meeting a plant exchange was held by the members.
I drove to Edwardsville on Thursday and my son John chauffeured me to Chicago to attend the Illinois State Postmasters Convention (both Active and Retired Postmasters). Around 95 were in attendance from the state, along with National President of Postmasters Tony Leonardi, National Membership Director Earl Husbands, also Illinois District Managers from District 1 and 2 and Host Postmaster Holly Burrell. Buffet luncheons provided each day, dinner on Friday evening and Awards Banquet on Saturday night. Joining us for lunch on Friday was John’s daughter (and my granddaughter) Hannah Carnes, who resides and is employed in the Chicago area, really enjoyed having her with us for a couple hours. On Saturday afternoon after lunch the Retiree’s meeting was held. Thanks again John for driving and joining me for this annual event.
The 38th Annual Silver Medallion Academic Excellence Awards Banquet was held on Thursday evening, April 16, at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. This annual event, which occurs each year honors the top 8% of local high school seniors, with this year seeing 207 students from 21 schools honored. I am so happy to report from out small county of Calhoun we had two students from Brussels High School namely, Melissa Nolte, daughter of Chad and Melissa Nolte and Audrina Pohlman, daughter of Scott and Jesse Pohlman. From Calhoun High School Hannah Klaas, daughter of Eric and Megan Klaas. Congratulations to these three students for being in the top 8%, I am so proud of all of you.
After church on Sunday I drove to O’Fallon, MO for the birthday party of my oldest great grandson, Noah Keppler. Hard to believe he is 14 already and will be attending Wentzville High School this fall. Besides his mom Ashley and sister Addy also present were his grandparents Dennis and Shelly Scherer of Wright City, MO, Ashley’s friend Ben Ketcherside and his daughters Jamie and Joanie of Warrenton and me, his great grandmother. Due to illness his aunt, uncle and cousins Daniel and Brittney Holdinghausen, Sam and Elliot of Festus, MO were unable to attend. We all enjoyed a wonderful meal at Stefanina’s Italian Restaurant in O’Fallon. Many thanks to Ashley who hosted the meal and afternoon together.
Loren and Julie Kulp and son Lincoln attended the Fabulous Fox Theater live state production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child one night last week.
The Calhoun High School Junior-Senior Prom was held on Saturday evening at Hardin. Congratulations to the newly crowned King Jack Goode and Queen Kiera Sievers. Many from south Calhoun were in attendance for the “walk-in” earlier that evening .
Visitors of Roy and Barb Hagen on Sunday were Rita (Hoguet) Kelly and husband Bill of Columbia, IL. Barb and Rita worked together many years ago in the office of Vickers Electric Products Division in St. Louis and they have kept in touch ever since. In the evening Roy and Barb treated them to dinner in Hardin.
Birthday Blessings this week to my great grandson Noah Keppler, Dawson Droege, Mary Kay Klemme, Katherine Simon, “P.J.” Brodbeck, Dave Hagen, Cole Murphy, Gloria Snyders, Travis Hagen, Sarah Kinder, John Haug, Shannon (Kamp) Jackson, Keith Eilerman, Steven Nolte, Brennan Grimes, Scott LaMarsh, Heather Sievers, Melinda Snider, Elly Pohlman, Melvin Wieneke, Wyatt Pohlman, Mackenzie Plough and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Vinny and Katie Mulkins, Joey and Chelsie Kiel and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
Chloe White, daughter of Amanda Kiel, will be graduating from McKendree University in the near future. Her mother is hosting a party at Kinder’s Restaurant in Golden Eagle on Saturday, May 9 in her honor. Beginning at 5 PM for family and friends and starting at 7 PM live music by Cash Goetten & the Roedean Revelers. Her grandparents are Denis and Jeanie Kiel of Brussels.
Please be reminded of the Brussels High School Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9, 9 AM to noon at the High School.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Margie Tepen, age 91, who passed away on Friday, April 17. Visitation on Monday evening at and funeral Mass on Tuesday at St. Mary’s Church in Brussels. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Gertrude Wieneke and her husband, Virgil who passed away almost seven months ago. Survivors are her sons Eric Tepen, Kevin (Lori) Tepen, daughter Lynnette Macauley and brother Leroy Wieneke and all their families.
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PRAYER FOR EARTH DAY – APRIL 22
Dear Lord, the ground beneath our feet was formed by Your hand, the soil that grows our food, the rivers that quench our thirst, the forests that shelter countless living things, and the skies that stretch endlessly above us all tell a story of Your careful creation. From the beginning of time, humanity was placed in this beautiful world to care for it with humility and wisdom. We now are to remember the importance of caring for this world God has made. In His name, Amen