Point News – February 15, 2024

By Editor | February 12, 2024 |

By Carol Sue Carnes
618-883-2333

Weather was quite changeable this past week, 70 degrees on Thursday and Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the mid-40’s and more of the same all this week. Maybe the groundhog predicted an early spring, but I’m not too sure about that. We still have a way to go before March 19 gets here, the official first day of spring.
Congratulations to Patrick Mahomes who rallied the Kansas City Chiefs to their second straight Super Bowl win on Sunday. Winning 25-22 over the 49ers!!
What a fantastic Super Bowl game!
On Sunday, Feb. 4, Pat and Danielle Hurley and daughters Ava, Lucy and Joy hosted a birthday celebration at their home in Hardin. The occasion was to celebrate the birthdays of Tom Pohlman, Pat Hurley and daughter Joy Hurley. Enjoying the wonderful meal and day together, besides those mentioned above, were Pennie Pohlman, Shawn and Kenitha Hagen of Holiday Shores and “DJ” and Heather Neese and sons of Edwardsville. Many more “happy ones” Tom, Pat and Joy!
On Tuesday evening Country Financial Crop Specialist Dan Eberlin and Crop Agency Manager, Doug Yodar held a dinner meeting at the Illinois Riverdock in Hardin. After the delicious buffet dinner, Dan introduced guest speaker, Mr. Yodar. A very informative presentation and slide show followed, covering the Federal Crop and Crop Hail Products and the 2024 Farm Bill decision factors. Thirty farmers, including 5 guests were in attendance for the event. Many thanks to Dan, Doug and Patricia Johnes, (assistant to Dan and Lindsey Franke) for a very informative evening and a wonderful meal.
Last weekend Chelsie Kiel and daughter Stevie of Brussels, along with Brooke Eberlin and daughter Penelope and Lyndsi Sievers and daughter Stella attended Disney on Ice. The theme of the evening was “Into the Magic”, and the event was held at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. The three little girls were beautifully dressed as princesses for the occasion and thoroughly enjoyed the evening, along with their mothers.
On Saturday evening, Melinda Snider and I attended the 8th birthday party of my great grandson, Samuel “Sam” Holdinghausen of Festus, MO. The theme of his party was Minecraft. In addition to his parents Daniel and Brittney, and Melinda and I, were his grandparents Shelly and Dennis Scherer of Wright City, MO, Cyndi Axford and David and Madison Morrow of Chesterfield, MO, John and Julie Carnes and Caleb of Edwardsville, Noah Keppler of Wentzville and Joanie Ketcherside of Warrenton. After Sam opened his gifts, we enjoyed decorated birthday cookies and cake.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Bernard Baalman, age 92, who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Jersey Community Hospital. He is survived by his wife Joan, sons Tony (and Maria), Matt (and Missy) Jeff (and Karen), Tim Baalman and Brad (and Stacey) Baalman. And daughters Kim (and Eric) Eberlin and Sue (and Brett) Pohlman. Also, brothers Tony (and Kathy), Steve (and Diane) and Vince (and Pat) Baalman, 23 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Mark Baalman, parents Anthony and Frieda Baalman, brothers William, Robert and James Baalman, sister-in-law Dody Martin and brothers-in-law Clifford Martin, Douglas King and Ernest Walker. Private visitation was held for the immediate family. Funeral Mass was on Saturday morning at St. Norberts Church in Hardin. After burial a celebration of life was held at Straight Home Bar and Grill. Dr. Baalman was a wonderful doctor, having served the people of Calhoun and beyond, at the Calhoun Family Practice in Hardin for almost 30 years. He also helped form the Calhoun County Health Department in the 1960’s, became board certified in the specialty of family practice in the 1970’s, elected a fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians in the 1980’s, served as Chief of Staff at Jersey Community Hospital for a number of years and was also a clinical associate at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine for many years.
St. Mary’s School Benefit is this coming weekend, Feb. 17 and 18 at the Brussels American Legion Hall. Drive-Thru or seating inside available for the Chicken Dinner, served from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Also, silent auction, card draws, drop bucket tickets, grand raffle and mega money raffle. On Sunday, open from noon to 5 p.m. for raffles, etc.
Please be reminded that EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY the Calhoun Volunteer Ambulance old phone numbers (576-2288 and 576-2289) are NO LONGER in existence. You now need to call the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office at 618-576-2417 or 911 for all emergency services.
Birthday Blessings this week to my great grandson, Samuel Holdinghausen, also Cliff Nolte, Wendy Tentschert, Jed Drainer, Debbie Kuhn, Mackenzie Baalman, Derek Kamp, Linda Held, Alyssa Kress, Cyndi Kinder and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Mike and Erna Halemeyer, Paul and Pat Hoemmen, Keith and Rita Hagen and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
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PRAYER FOR ASH WEDNESDAY
Dear Lord, We have fallen short of Your glory, and without your mercy and grace, we would be dust. We repent now Lord, as we enter into this Lenten season, be near to us. Help us by Your Holy Spirit to feel the right conviction and repentance for our sins. Create in us a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Amen