CNSTC: June 8, 2022

June 8, 2022

The way of water

Around Town Public invited to open house about Dardenne Greenway trail extension project. Pg.3 County executive proposing $20 million to fix potholes throughout St. Charles County. Pg. 6

Business

New partnership between Kansas City and the St. Louis region supports I-70 corridor improvements.

Pg.6

Features

Submitted photo The first phase of the Dardenne Creek Blueway is completed. This initial phase begins at 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peters and ends at Riverside Landing in St. Charles – a 3.5-mile trip by kayak or canoe.

Phase I of the new Dardenne Creek Blueway water trail and recreation area connects Riverside Landing and 370 Lakeside Park

By Brett Auten A holiday weekend provided the perfect backdrop to a new “blueway.” The Dardenne Creek Blueway is the first of several water trails planned for St. Charles County.

“The weather over Memorial Day weekend was perfect for the opening of this new recreational area, and many took advantage of the opportunity,” St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann said. “As word continues to spread, and we open the other phases, I’m certain the Dardenne Creek Blueway is going to become a popular spot for kayakers and canoers to enjoy all the

amenities available at connecting parks.

Many thanks to the staff of the St. Charles County Parks Department for their hard work in clearing trash and debris from the waterway, and to the city of St. Peters for providing access at 370 Lakeside. Working together, the first phase of the Dardenne Creek Blueway is now a reality.”

St. Peters supported the blueway concept and the St. Charles County Parks Department’s newly formed Natural Resources Aquatic Division made the connection between the two parks a reality.

The Dardenne Creek Blueway is the first of several water trails planned for St.

Charles County. Parks staff developed a long-term maintenance plan which includes creating habitat to protect wildlife and planting vegetation along the banks of the creek to filter water.

Ehlmann said that this is just the beginning, explaining that the second phase of the blueway will go from Lone Wolff Park in St. Peters to 370 Lakeside Park; the third phase from Jack Gettemeyer Park in St. Peters to Lone Wolff Park; and the fourth phase from O’Fallon Sports Park to Jack Gettemeyer Park. The final phase is from See ‘WATER’ page 2

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Around Town

June 8, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

‘WATER’ from cover Get your event or good news published in Community News: email your information in calendar and article formats to editor@mycnews.com

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Serving St. Louis, St. Charles and Lincoln Counties.

Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief Mathew DeKinder Publisher Emeritus/ General Manager Robert J. Huneke Production Manager Rebecca Brockmann Production Assistant Melissa Nordmann Copy Editor Donna Huneke Staff Writers Brett Auten, Wendy Todd, Laurie Simon Columnists Gary Baute, Steve Bryan, Cindy Moore Cartoonist John Hanna Social Media Lori North Classiied Advertising Brooke Tolle Display Advertising Heather Deatz, Bob Huneke, Norm Merchant, Laurie Simon Circulation Dominion Distribution, Papers Unlimited Community News is a Registered Trademark of Huneke Publications, Inc: Neither the advertiser nor the publisher is responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. Huneke Publications, Inc. reserves the right to accept or reject all news and advertising copy which in the sole judgement and discretion of the publisher/editor is not suitable or deemed appropriate for publication. Copyright 2021 Huneke Publications, Inc. with all rights reserved. No part of the publications may be repr duced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher/editor.

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Bluebird Meadow Park in Dardenne Prairie to O’Fallon Sports Park. The Dardenne Creek Blueway, when complete, will be approximately 19 miles long.

“We’re so excited about this beautiful new blueway on Dardenne Creek and we’re proud to have the first section connect to the crown jewel of our St. Peters park system, 370 Lakeside Park,” St. Peters Mayor Pagano said. “We’re really looking forward to the next segments to be completed through Lone Wolff Park and Jack Gettemeyer Park before proceeding to the O’Fallon Sports Park. What a wonderful, scenic way for our residents to enjoy our region while getting some exercise and playing close to home.”

When Riverside Landing was purchased in 2018, planning began for this water trail but debris and litter impeded the connection and flow between the creek and the river. The parks department has been working diligently to clear tree and log jams, brush, trash, and other debris to provide an improved recreational opportunity for residents and visitors.

The Dardenne Creek Blueway provides residents with a new outdoor recreational activity, but also is an important reminder that these waterways collect stormwater runoff from nearby subdivisions and that we all play an important role in protecting these vital waterways from litter and pollution. The county’s parks department has collected and disposed of four dumpsters, or about 16 cubic yards of floating plastic bottles and other trash from Dardenne Creek.

Blueways are defined as a network of approved and branded multi-activity recreational trails and sites closely linked with the water and often linked with access to other activities and experiences. Phase I of the Dardenne Creek Blueway offers not only the waterway, but access to other amenities at both Riverside Landing and 370 Lakeside Park.

Riverside Landing, located at 101 Riverport Lane where Dardenne Creek and the Mississippi River connect, is now open af-

Submitted photos The first phase of the Dardenne Creek Blueway is completed.

This initial phase begins at 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peters and ends at Riverside Landing in St. Charles – a 3.5-mile trip by kayak or canoe.

ter months of park development. The parks department this week began taking reservations for camping sites starting May 27, and the park’s iPaddle station, where visitors can rent kayaks on-site, also opened the same day. The 7.73-acre parkland is a unique outdoor recreational area with a new entrance off Huster Road. It features 13 large and five small RV sites; a dump station for RV sanitary lines; six primitive tent campsites; a free, ADA-accessible boat ramp for access to the Mississippi River; an open play area with a scenic overlook plaza; and parking for 59 boat trailers.

Located at 1000 Lakeside Park Drive, 370 Lakeside Park is 500 acres with a 140-acre recreational lake for fishing and boating, RV park, group campground, sprayground, archery range, biking/hiking trails, and dog parks. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, bikes, and surreys are available to rent.

The St. Charles County Parks Department plans to also create the Big Creek Blueway, which will connect Indian Camp Creek and Flatwoods parks through Big Creek and the Cuivre River, or about 12.3 miles. Staff are in the process of designing a canoe/kayak landing for Indian Camp Creek along the Big Creek and have constructed a landing at Flatwoods Park on the Cuivre River. The city of Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department is developing an access point along Big Creek at Mette Road on property owned by the city.

Optimist Club of St. Charles observes ‘Respect for Law Day’ The Optimist Club of St. Charles invited officers from the City of St. Charles Police Department, the St. Charles County Police Department and the St. Charles County Sheriff ’s Department to celebrate and recognize an outstanding officer in each of the departments.

Event chairman, Jack Ross, expressed the club’s gratitude for the dedicated work and efforts of all city and county officers to keep the peace.

Optimist International established this recognition program in 1965 and the local St. Charles club began the

annual recognition tradition in 1971.

Based on the recommendation of each department, this year’s “Respect for Law” awardees are Detective Kevin Euton, City of St. Charles Police Department, Ron Neupert, S.T.A.R.T. officer with the St. Charles County Police Department and Deputy Steven Robertson with the St. Charles County Sheriff ’s Department. The fourth recipient, Detective Troy Follmer with the St Charles City Police Department could not attend due to a scheduling conflict.

Submitted photo Club President Bob Beckman stands with Event Chairman Jack Ross, Detective Kevin Euton, Officer Ron Neupert and Deputy Steven Robertson.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 8, 2022

Around Town

WIC vouchers available to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at St. Charles County farmers markets A new program introduced by Missouri’s Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) enables participants to obtain vouchers exchangeable for fresh produce at the Lake St. Louis Farmers’ and Artists’ Market, the New Melle Country Market, the Farmers’ and Artists’ Market of O’Fallon and other select locations around the state from June 1 through Oct. 31.

“Taking advantage of the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program allows our families the opportunity to obtain flavorful and nutritious produce that was picked straight from the tree, vine or soil just days ago,” says St. Charles County WIC Program Coordinator Megan Hickey. “Since these products are at their peak when picked by local farmers, they’ll be high in many important nutrients that improve health and development for mothers and children, and they’ll typically be available at a lower cost than fruits or vegetables shipped to our community from around the nation and the globe.”

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program offers up to four $5 benefit vouchers ($20 per year) for every WIC participant (including women and children ages four months - five years). This means a mother and her two children (ages two and four) could receive up to $60 in produce through the program.

Eligible foods include fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables and fresh cut herbs.

How to participate To participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, a family must be enrolled in the WIC program. St. Charles County’s WIC services are open to pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and infants and children up

to age five that meet program eligibility. St. Charles County’s WIC office is located at 1650 Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles. For information on WIC eligibility or registration, please visit sccmo.org/WIC or call 636-949-7402.

Why choose fruits and vegetables?

Because of their many benefits, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends Americans fill at least half their plates with fruits and vegetables and offers a guide for peak times for selecting produce.

Studies show that a diet high in fresh produce is associated with a decreased risk for heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers. In addition to adding flavor, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources for important nutrients like potassium, vitamins A and C, folate, and fiber. Here is a sampling of the benefits gained from a diet that includes colorful produce: • Red fruits and vegetables (such as watermelon, apples, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, and beets) – promote heart health, improve memory, and reduce certain cancer risks.

• Orange fruits and vegetables (such as cantaloupe, mangos, carrots, and sweet potatoes) – improve eyesight, lower cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure.

• Blue and purple fruits and vegetables (such as blueberries, prunes, and eggplant) – boost the immune system, reduce cancer risks, and aid in digestion.

• Green fruits and vegetables (such as melons, grapes, avocado, spinach, broccoli, and peas) – lower blood pressure, reduce cancer risks, strengthen bones and aid vision.

Public invited to open house about Dardenne Greenway trail extension project Join the city of St. Peters and Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) for a community open house on June 8, from 6-8 p.m. at Water’s Edge Banquet Center at St. Peters Golf Club.

The event will update the public about the project to extend the Dardenne Greenway trail in St. Peters.

Stop by anytime between 6-8 p.m. to review the results of a public survey, see how public feedback is shaping the design of the greenway, and share your ideas and opinions. There will be a 20-minute presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Attendance for the presentation is optional: you can ask questions, see displays and offer feedback at any time during the open house. Attendees also may enjoy complimentary appetizers from Caddy’s Bar & Grill.

GRG is partnering with the city of St. Peters and community members to plan, design and build an extension of the Dardenne Greenway. The project will improve the existing trail that extends from Mexico Road to the Dardenne Park parking lot on Dew

Court. A new trail segment will extend from its current endpoint at Dew Court to Interstate 70.

This greenway extension was identified through the St. Charles County Greenway Master Plan as a high priority project Submitted image by county residents and project stakeholders. Future phases of the project will extend the greenway to Brown Road Park, Sports Center Park, Old Town St. Peters, and the existing trails within 370 Lakeside Park.

On Jan. 26, GRG and the city held an online public meeting, which kicked off the project with the community and launched a public survey to collect ideas and opinions about the greenway. The public survey closed in February after receiving more than 300 responses from community members.

For more information and updates about this project, visit www.stpetersmo.net/Trails.

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Around Town

June 8, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Lake Forest Country Club members give back to local charities

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In 2019, Lake Forest Country Club member Geoff Poli had a vision to support St. Charles-based charities leveraging the membership to help drive funds that can make a difference in people’s lives.

“The vision for the Charity Classic is simple. We are all very fortunate to participate in charity events all over the St. Louis area. We wanted to create a signature event at Lake Forest that provided our members the opportunity to support charitable organizations that are based in our backyard,” Poli said.

Over the past three years, Lake Forest Country Club and its members have jumped on board in a big way, contributing over $60,000 for Boone Center Inc., Honor Flight and Community Living.

“Through Poli’s leadership, we formed a committee who donated their time and energy to make this wonderful event come to fruition,” says committee member Sean Kenny.

In efforts to make the event a fun/social gathering, membership has donated money, purchased giveaway items, been main sponsors of the event and looked to outside vendors to get involved.

Committee member Kyle Laramie states, “We keep getting better at adding to the event, this year it was not only a golf tournament, but we engaged our pickleball, pool and social members to get all aspects of the club involved.”

The Lake Forest Charity Classic committee encourages members to refer a charity for consider-

ation with which has a special place in their heart.

“Each year, since the inception of this event, we have had at least one family member of the club that has been impacted by the charities we have served,” states Tim Kennedy, committee member.

Jason Law, Mayor of Lake St. Louis states, “This speaks volumes on the type of members that are at Lake Forest Country Club, I can’t be prouder of our local country club which gives back and impacts so many people.”

In 2022, Lake Forest Charity Classic will benefit First Step Back Home which is an organization that offer solutions for poverty and injustice to the homeless and working poor.

Lake Forest Country Club is located at 300 Yard Drive in Lake St. Louis. The course ranges from 4,877 yards to 7,055 yards. From the back tees, Lake Forest Country Club has consistently been rated within the Top 10 for the most challenging courses in the St. Louis area and has hosted many amateur events such as The Gateway Nike Classic (now the Korn Ferry Tour), The Trans National Women’s Amateur Tournament, USGA and PGA Tour National Qualifiers, The Gateway PGA Section Championships, and The Metropolitan Open Championship.

For information about on how to get involved with the Lake Forest Charity Classic, please contact 314566-9553 or visit www.lakeforestgolf.org.

County executive proposing $20 million to fix potholes throughout St. Charles County St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann announced on May 26 he is proposing an aggressive initiative to fix potholes throughout the county, including the replacement of more than 10,000 slabs of concrete and miles of asphalt roadways. Ehlmann is requesting that the county council approve $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the work.

Further, he is proposing an additional $10 million from the county’s ½-cent Transportation Sales Tax funds be combined with a 50-50 match with municipalities for their own slab replacement programs that could potentially result in a total of $30 million of road replacement and improvement throughout the county.

As subdivision development has continued to expand in the county over the past three decades, the number of miles of subdivision streets has steadily increased. This increased traffic, coupled with seasonal weather extremes, has resulted in a backlog of work in the county and in municipalities. By devoting these funds for road repairs, Ehlmann hopes to significantly reduce the backlog.

With the Missouri legislature leaving intact the additional motor user fee it approved in 2021 for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the county will no longer have to use its funds to costshare construction projects in St. Charles County.

“By the county using $10 million of the ARPA allocation to fund additional pothole repair and slab replacement, and combining that with $10 million

from the ½-cent Transportation Sales Tax in matching funds for the municipalities as they use their ARPA or general funds to repair roads, the overall program could result in thousands of slab replacements and miles of asphalt repair on the county’s local and subdivision roads,” Ehlmann says.

Under this proposed plan, cities would be able to seek reimbursement from the county for 50% of the cost to replace broken concrete slabs and reconstruct asphalt roads in poor condition. The maximum funds available to a municipality would be based on their percentage of the county’s incorporated population and the work would need to be completed by Dec. 31. The smaller cities such as Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Weldon Spring and St. Paul, which contract with St. Charles County for slab replacement and pothole repair from the Road and Bridge Tax, will have their repairs matched by the ½-cent Transportation Sales Tax as well.

The county’s ½-cent Transportation Sales Tax, administered by the St. Charles County Road Board, was reauthorized in April of 2022 for another 10 years by 72 percent of county voters. The funds are used for traffic relief, roadway safety improvements and to construct, reconstruct and repair roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure within St. Charles County.

The ordinance related to this initiative was introduced at the county council meeting on May 31 meeting and could potentially be approved at the June 13 meeting.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 8, 2022

Around Town

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Clean Air Partnership urges area residents to take action for cleaner air based on latest ‘State of the Air’ results The recently released American Lung Association’s 2022 “State of the Air” report reveals that, despite decades of progress on cleaning up sources of air pollution, more than 40% of Americans – over 137 million people – are living in places with failing grades for unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution.

This is 2.1 million more people breathing unhealthy air compared to the years covered by the 2021 report (2017-2019), which reinforces the need to protect our local communities from the continued risks to public health resulting from high levels of ozone and particle pollution. With air quality forecasting season underway, the Clean Air Partnership is highlighting the report’s findings about the air quality in the St. Louis region and encouraging area residents to stay informed about the quality of the air we breathe and take action for cleaner air.

For the sixth consecutive year, the St. Louis region escaped being ranked among the top 25 most ozone-polluted cities in the U.S., coming in at number 37 on the list. While this is 11 spots back from last year, the area did rank 24th on the list for most polluted cities by year-round particle pollution. Even this, however, is an improvement from 2021, where St. Louis landed in a four-way tie for the 20th spot on the list.

The “State of the Air” report findings also have added to the evidence that a changing climate is making it harder to protect human health, with the three years included in this year’s report (2018-2020) ranking among the seven hottest years on record globally. Spikes in particle pollution and high ozone days

related to extreme heat and other factors are putting millions more people at risk and adding challenges to the work that states and cities are doing nationwide to clean up air pollution. Here’s a look at the latest rankings for ozone pollution across the region for counties in the non-attainment area included in the American Lung Association’s report: MISSOURI Jefferson St. Charles St. Louis County St. Louis City

D F F F

ILLINOIS Jersey Macoupin Madison St. Clair

C C F D

“We’re pleased to see that St. Louis has once again avoided the list of most ozone-polluted cities, but the data still clearly shows that we’re far from a clean bill of health for our region,” said Susannah Fuchs, Director of Clean Air for the American Lung Association in Missouri. “With summer just weeks away – when we’re at greater risk for higher levels of ozone pollution – it’s important that area residents stay informed about the quality of the air we breathe and continue to take voluntary steps to reduce emissions to help improve outcomes.”

It’s long been reported that transportation-related

THIS WEEK’S PICK

Wentzville Community Historical Society to meet Join the Wentzville Community Historical Society on June 21 for their next general membership meeting. The meeting will be held at the Wentzville Community Club at 500 W. Main Street in Wentzville. The larger building allows for social distancing.

At the June meeting, join the Allen sisters: Laura Schlipp, Genie Allen, Carrie Benkowich, and Mary Jo Mosley as they share the story and pictures of the exhumation and reburial of family ancestors, including Mary Jane Fairchild, so that the Bend Development could proceed.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm with a catered meal for $15. Everyone is welcome. For dinner reservations, please contact Bill Vehige at 636-272-5506 by June 19, or you can email at WentzvilleCHS@mail.com.

In your email, put Meal Reservation in the subject line. In the body of the email, state the number of reservations needed and the names of each individual.

The doors open at 6 p.m. and the program will begin at approximately 7:15 p.m. West Allen Grill will provide a buffet style meal.

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emissions are one of the biggest contributors to air pollution, and that is the catalyst for a new “Don’t Pollute. Switch Up Your Commute.” campaign launched earlier this month by more than half a dozen partners, who collectively provide an array of transportation options that extend beyond driving in single-occupancy vehicles along with resources and incentives for doing so. The summerlong effort aims to inform people the way they choose to travel impacts the quality of air St. Louis area residents breathe, while motivating them to modify commuting behaviors as often as they are able.

“Research shows that exposure to traffic-related pollution is a serious health hazard for everyone, but especially for populations most at risk, such as children and older adults, people of color, people experiencing poverty and individuals with underlying health conditions,” Fuchs added. “Although any community can experience days with unhealthy levels of air pollution – regardless of their grade or ranking in the ‘State of the Air’ report – this takes on additional significance for the close to 19.8 million individuals living in counties that received an “F” grade for all three air pollution measures.”

Additional air quality information and other tips to help clear the air can be accessed by visiting the Clean Air Partnership’s website at www.cleanair-stlouis.com, liking the Clean Air Partnership on Facebook, or by following the organization on Twitter @ gatewaycleanair. To access the American Lung Association’s 2022 “State of the Air” report, visit www. lung.org.

Business

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June 8, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

New partnership between Kansas City and the St. Louis region supports I-70 corridor improvements I-70 corridor which is vital to the global supply chains for many industries. A catalyst for the new collaboration is the inclusion of a financial placeholder for the reconstruction of and added capacity on I-70 among the Missouri Department of Transportation's recently released High Priority Unfunded Needs.

“We're excited to see this placeholder on the list, even though it's a far-off priority at this time,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice Pres-

The long-range vision of a reconstructed, higher capacity Interstate 70 (I-70) between Kansas City and the St. Louis area is coming into sharper focus thanks to a new partnership between Kansas City SmartPort and the St. Louis Regional Freightway.

The two organizations have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to demonstrate their commitment to support improvements to Missouri’s east-west statewide

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ident of Multi Modal Enterprises at Bi-State Development and head of the St. Louis Regional Freightway. “All of us here recognize the importance of this stretch of Interstate 70 from a global freight perspective as a transportation corridor, supporting the global supply chain for aerospace, automotive, ag industries and others.

It provides a critical link to multimodal connectivity and reliability.”

The MOU will serve as a marketing tool under which KC SmartPort and the St. Louis Regional Freightway will undertake activities aimed at raising awareness of the economic, multimodal and efficiency impact of the I-70 corridor and promoting improvements that will enhance the safety of travel along it.

These efforts will help bring public and private sector leaders together to understand how infrastructure and efficiency impacts on-time delivery and cost for freight.

Both organizations recognize the power of collaboration to advance statewide initiatives like this and also to move projects forward in their respective regions.

The St. Louis Regional Freightway’s Priority Projects list already includes multiple projects on I-70 in the St. Louis region, some of which have recently secured funding. Examples include $62 million for the I-70 outer roads improvements from Fairgrounds Road to Cave Springs and $39 million for the I-70 bottleneck improvements from Wentzville to Route Z in St. Charles County.

Lamie said a major contributor to that funding success is recognition of

Submitted photo The long-range vision of a reconstructed, higher capacity Interstate 70 between Kansas City and the St. Louis area is coming into sharper focus thanks to a new partnership between Kansas City SmartPort and the St. Louis Regional Freightway.

the key economic drivers along I-70 in the St. Louis region, including the General Motors Wentzville facility, Boeing, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, and multiple fast growing industrial sites.

At True Manufacturing, Inc., Chester Jones manages the supply chain operations team responsible for coordinating the company's overall supply chain, both domestically and internationally. Headquartered in O’Fallon, the 75-year-old company is a leader in the commercial and residential refrigeration space.

“Our headquarters sits right off I-70 here in O’Fallon and we often say here that I-70 is the heartbeat of True Manufacturing,” said Jones. “With facilities located to the west in Mexico, Missouri, then down south in Pacific, Missouri and north in Bowling Green, Missouri, we traverse I-70 with about 88 trucks per day going between the headquarters facility and those facilities. We

also have an expansion project south in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and that means our daily transit around I-70 and I-270 will become somewhere around 98 to 100 or 102 moves a day. So, it’s key for us to have ease of access and the ability to move quickly throughout the area.”

“We are using just about every mode of transportation out there -- rail, LTL, ocean, and air,” Jones said. “From our Mexico facility, we ship most of our international goods. We're moving about 10 to 12 container loads a week, which come back here to catch the rails out of St. Louis headed east.

There's a significant amount of volume there.

We also have about 20 to 30 over-the-road shipments per day from over-the-road carriers.

Some of the feedback we get from them is that they like the ease of the on and off exits from I-70 and love the proximity to other interstates like I-270, I-44 and I-55.

And they really hope that development con-

tinues on I-70 itself. Just with our own operations, going out to all of these different countries and areas, you can see that not only is I-70 key for us, but also rail and we certainly are interested in waterways as well.”

Recognizing the importance of reliable infrastructure for companies such as True Manufacturing and the many others operating along I-70 and around the state, Missouri Governor Mike Parson in 2021 formed a new Supply Chain Task Force that both Gutierrez and Lamie serve on with other appointees.

“Our recovery (pandemic) and growth strategies are paramount,” Jones said. “For us, things that continue to support growth and the ease of transit and logistics is key, because we're rooted here in Missouri; we are contributing to the logistics and the development of manufacturing activities. We're really on the upswing and we would like to see the infrastructure follow that path as well.”

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 8, 2022

School

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Wentzville School District Foundation names 2022 Teacher and Building Mini Grant winners The Wentzville School District Foundation has announced the winners of the 2022 Teacher and Building Mini Grants.

Last month, members of the foundation awarded grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to 13 teachers at five schools, totaling $5,000.

In addition, the foundation awarded six teachers with grants totaling $4,500 thanks to a Community Grant from GM to fund Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) initiatives in WSD schools. GM has provided $40,000 over the last four years to the WSD Foundation to support STEM initiatives in the Wentzville School District.

This year, the WSD Foundation raised funds through its Top Golf event held in March for the Mini Grant Program and the foundation has awarded more than $122,500 to district teachers since 2004.

The selection committee, which is composed of Wentzville School District Foundation Board members, utilizes the grants to reward educators for their

resourceful and innovative ideas and strategies that benefit the education of district students.

2022 MINI GRANT WINNERS:

STEM Grants • Christine Poulter — Simple Machines, Duello ($1,000) • Justin Wilmes — Make it Move, North Point High School ($500) • Narelle Deatherage — Ratchet Rocker Robotics, Liberty High School ($500) • Nicole Gaffney — Little Science Books for Helpers, Duello ($500) • Samantha Hardesty Knoll — Student Film Festival, Berry-Place Center ($1,000) • Kristen Tinsley — Digital Recording Studio, North Point Middle ($1,000) • Building Grant Winners ($1,000) • Meaghan Sachs — Flexible Speed Conveyor Belt, Liberty High School

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District (Left) Dr. Susan Hladky, Wentzville School District Foundation Board secretary stands with Nicole Gaffney with Duello Elementary.

• •

Connie Litzsinger — Student Supply Shoppe, Holt High School Jennifer Werner, Monica Beussink, Kelsey Heflin, Lauren O'Brien, Caroline Scharenberg — School of Wellness/Sense of Belonging, North Point Middle

• • •

Teacher Grant Winners ($500) • Jessica Chitwood — Adaptive Equipment, REACH Adaptive

Learning Center Michelle McKinley and Jennifer Lowder — Building Confidence with Decodables, Stone Creek Nicole McFadden — FACs, Liberty High School Sara Rowe and Lenelle Gilpin — Constructing Creative Thinkers, North Point Middle

Wentzville School District announces Support Staff Employees of the Year The Wentzville School District recognized all of the hard-working support staff employees who go above and beyond for the students and the district.

It is the support staff employees who drive the buses, prepare the food, clean the schools, and do scores of other jobs that help support the educational efforts of the district.

Support staff employees often labor behind the scenes, but their hard work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Every year, each building in the district selects its own “Support Staff Employee of the Year,” and the building winners are eligible for the District Support Staff Employee of the Year Award, announced during the annual District Awards Banquet in May. The 2022 District Support Staff Employee of the Year is Susan Holmstedt, Instructional Assistant at Boone Trail Elementary.

The 2022 WSD Support Staff Employees of the Year are: • Barfield ECSEC: Sara Krzyzanowski, Instructional Assistant • Boone Trail Elementary: Susan Holmstedt, Instructional Assistant • Crossroads Elementary: Kelly Fisher, Special Education Instructional Assistant

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Discovery Ridge Elementary: Karin Henry, Instructional Assistant Duello Elementary: Sholonda Garry, Instructional Assistant Green Tree Elementary: Debbie Robinson, SPED Instructional Assistant Heritage Intermediate: Annette Taylor, Library Assistant Heritage Primary: Toni Wallace, SPED Instructional Assistant Journey Elementary: Lisa Haase, Instructional Assistant Lakeview Elementary: Jeffrey King, Custodian Peine Ridge Elementary: Al Absher, Bus Driver Prairie View Elementary: Joel Pezzelle, Technician Stone Creek Elementary: Alfred Haten, Custodian Wabash Elementary: Jill Mitchell, Principal Secretary Frontier Middle School: Debbie Sethaler, Principal Secretary South Middle School: Pam Totten, Division Secretary Wentzville Middle School: Marci Caudill, Division Secretary Holt High School: Michael Love, Technician Liberty High School: Daniel Wheeler, Instructional Assistant

Wentzville School District named its Support Staff Employees of the Year.

• • • •

•

North Point High School: Danielle Bartholmey, Principal Secretary/Registrar Timberland High School: Dustie Taylor, Administrative Assistant Pearce Hall: Germaine Gregory, Instructional Assistant The REACH Center: Brandi Sutter, Physical Therapist Support Services: David Krankel, Maintenance - Skilled Specialist Transportation: Kerry Henry, Bus Driver

•

Photo courtesy Wentzville School District

WSD Administrative Center: Ann Marie Merz, Technician The eligible positions for Support Staff Employee of the Year include Bus Driver/Aide, Café/Playground Supervisor, Chautauqua Staff, Child Nutrition Staff, Custodial, Instructional Assistant, Library Assistant, Maintenance Staff, Office Staff, Mechanic/Router/ Dispatcher/Fueler, Nurse, Health Service Aide, Parent Educators, Security Guard, Paraprofessional, and Technology Staff.

8

What’s Happening

EVENTS June 20: Bariatric Surgery Information Session

Virtually join a Washington University bariatric physician 5:30-6:30 p.m. to learn more about several surgical treatment options for weight loss at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. To learn more call 314-542-9378 or visit BarnesJewishWestCounty.org/Medical-Services/Bariatrics/Bariatric-Surgery-Information-Sessions.

July 11: Bariatric Surgery Information Session

Virtually join a Washington University bariatric physician 5:30-6:30 p.m. to learn more about several surgical treatment options for weight loss at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. To learn more call 314-542-9378 or visit BarnesJewishWestCounty.org/Medical-Services/Bariatrics/Bariatric-Surgery-Information-Sessions

July 11: Stroke Support Class

Whether you are a stroke survivor or taking care of a loved one, you are invited to join a monthly support group community from 1-2 p.m. Attendees have the option to join online and go to Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital to participate. To learn more call 636-928-9355 or visit BJCstcharlescounty.org/ stroke-support-group

July 25: Bariatric Surgery Information Session

Virtually join a Washington University bariatric physician 5:30-6:30 p.m. to learn more about several surgical

June 8, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

treatment options for weight loss at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. To learn more call 314-542-9378 or visit BarnesJewishWestCounty.org/Medical-Services/Bariatrics/Bariatric-Surgery-Information-Sessions

Aug 1: Stroke Support Class

Whether you are a stroke survivor or taking care of a loved one, you are invited to join a monthly support group community from 1-2 p.m. Attendees have the option to join online and go to Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital to participate. To learn more call 636-928-9355 or visit BJCstcharlescounty.org/ stroke-support-group

Aug. 8: Bariatric Surgery Information Session

Virtually join a Washington University bariatric physician 5:30-6:30 p.m. to learn more about several surgical treatment options for weight loss at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. To learn more call 314-542-9378 or visit BarnesJewishWestCounty.org/Medical-Services/Bariatrics/Bariatric-Surgery-Information-Sessions

Aug. 22: Bariatric Surgery Information Session

Virtually join a Washington University bariatric physician 5:30-6:30 p.m. to learn more about several surgical treatment options for weight loss at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. To learn more call 314-542-9378 or visit BarnesJewishWestCounty.org/Medical-Services/Bariatrics/Bariatric-Surgery-Information-Sessions

ONGOING EVENTS Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

Mondays: Take Pounds Sensibly

off

TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please call Linda Wilcox at 636-447-9056.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@ yahoo.com. BILY is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.

Mondays: Anonymous

Alcoholics

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Mondays: Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club

Cottleville Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at The Breakfast Club, 991 Waterbury Falls Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63368. New club looking for new members who want to better our community. Contact Christy at 314-583-0538.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting

Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass

Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http://www. stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice Choral Arts Singers practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at Connection ChristianChurch, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New singers (high school and older) are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings

Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club

Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314369-6521.

Mondays and Thursdays: Bridge

St. Peters Senior Center plays bridge from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday and Thursdays, and would love to have any player, regardless of skill level, to join in. Call Mary Ann at 636-397-0866 if you are interested in playing on Monday or Thursday morning.

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets

Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636-219-0553.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls.

For more information call 636-949-3372.

Mondays: Measurement Mondays:

10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room.

Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group.

We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:15 - 10 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls.

For more information call 636-949-3372.

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

Candlelighters Women in Recovery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb pre-School, turn left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club

Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 314-954-3364 for info.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant. For more information contact Jack Ross at 314-287-0569 or jackross@att.net.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out?

Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636233-8032.

Tuesdays: Diabetes support group

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-6255447.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch.

For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis. com.

Tuesdays: Quilting Guild at the O’Fallon Family YMCA

1-4 p.m. Free. Quilt for local charities. No sewing experience required.

Tuesdays: Meeting

Toastmasters

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636-3792505.

Tuesdays: Mended Hearts

This heart patient support group provides hospital visitation support for people with any type of heart issues.

The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Spencer Road St. Charles Library, at the corner of Boone Hills Dr. and Spencer Rd. For additional information please call 636639-0875.

Tuesdays: St. Louis Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association Male Caregiver Experience

The group meets on third Tuesday of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Alzheimer’s Chapter Office at 9370 Olive Blvd. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, support, or the Male Caregiver Experience, please call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800272-3900 or visit www.alz. org/stl. Registration is requested before the first meeting.

www.mycnews.com • Community News - St. Charles County • June 8, 2022 Tuesdays: Social club for widows and widowers

On the first and third Tuesday of each month a social club for widows and widowers meets from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Fifth and Jackson Streets in St. Charles. On the first Tuesday there are refreshments and on the third Tuesday there is either a speaker or entertainment. The group also goes to breakfast, lunch and dinner monthly, and has a pot luck dinner each month.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Family Support Group

If you have a family member or friend who is having mental health concerns there is a support group for you. It meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Tuesdays: Dardenne Presbyterian Church Basketball

8-9:30 p.m., in the Christian Life Center, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie.

Open to high school and adult men.

Tuesdays: Central Missouri Railroad Association meeting

This unique organization is for railroad modelers, railfans, photographers and railroad retirees with layouts in O, HO, N hoping to add G scales. Meetings are on second Tuesdays of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Warrenton Masonic Lodge. For more info call 636-279-5522 or 636-4560776 or visit our Facebook page.

Tuesdays: Cancer support group

Cancer Companions Support Group is a support group for any cancer patient in treatment or post treatment, their caregiver and their loved ones that meets on the second Tuesday of each month at Dardenne Presbyterian Church at 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie at 7 p.m. in the parlor. Registration is not required.

Tuesdays: O’Fallon Garden Club

Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the

fourth Tuesday of the month at Sunrise Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimney Blvd.

Info: Barb at 636.978.5930.

Club does not meet in May or November.

Tuesdays: St. Charles American Legion Post 312 spaghetti dinner.

5pm, St. Charles American Legion Post 312, 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles on the last Tuesday of the month. $6 per person. For more information call Post 312 at 636947-7666.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Tai Chi at the St. Charles County Family YMCA 10:15-11:15 a.m. No experience necessary. 636-928-1928.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Get Fit Exercise Classes

9-10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Hall, New Melle. 314-369-6521.

Third Tuesday: Luncheon for seniors

On the third Tuesday of every month there is a luncheon for seniors from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. For more information call 636-561-8951.

Wednesdays: TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club TOPS 502 Wright City meets every Wednesday morning at First Baptist Church at 104 Hedeman Ave. in Wright City.

Weigh-in 7 - 8:30 a.m. Meeting starts at 9 a.m. For more information call 314-5045202

Wednesdays: Food pantry

Food pantry open Wednesdays to the public from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Cornerstone UMC at 1151 Tom Ginnever Ave. in O’Fallon. Bread, canned goods other necessities.

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

Meetings are held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road in St. Charles.

Visitors are always welcome.

For more information visit http://www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@ charter.net.

Wednesdays: Quilt guild

Every Fourth Wednesday from January to October, the Loose Threads Quilt Guild meets at 6:45 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Centre at the St. Peters City Hall on Mexico Road in St. Peters.

Wednesdays: Marine Corps League meeting

On the first Wednesday of each month the St. Charles County Marine Corps League meets at Pezold Banquet Center, 5701 Hwy N, in Cottleville at 7:00 p.m. All Marines and FMF Corpsmen are welcome.

For more information visit www.stcharlesmarine.org.

Wednesdays: fishing club

Women’s

Gateway Bass ‘n Gals all women’s bass club has monthly meetings the first Wednesday of every month at JJ’s Restaurant at 1215 S. Duchesne Dr. in St. Charles at 7 p.m. Women of any fishing level please come and check out our women-only fishing club.

Wednesdays: veterans coffee

Monthly

Veterans from all branches of service are invited to the Wentzville Green Lantern Senior Center at 506 S. Linn Ave. in Wentzville on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries and camaraderie. Come meet with fellow veterans who served our country and share your experience.

Wednesdays: Crossroads Cribbage Club

Meets at 1380 Boone St., at 12 p.m. in Troy. 636-528-8379.

Wednesdays: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the United Methodist Church at 725 N. Wall St. in Wentzville. TOPS is a national non-profit weightloss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome.

Wednesdays: Men’s Golf League

Wednesdays, April - October.

5 p.m., tee off at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage of Hawk Ridge. For more information, contact the Lake St. Louis Community Association at 636-625-8276.

Wednesdays: Charity Bingo

6:45pm, Doors open at 5 p.m.

VFW Post 5077 sponsors, at VFW Hall, 8500 Veterans Mem. Pkwy., O’Fallon.

636-272-1945 or www.vfwpost5077.org.

Wednesdays: Yoga at The St. Charles County Family YMCA 6-6:55pm Any level. Info: 636928-1928.

Wednesdays: Healing

Hope &

5-6pm, Dardenne Presbyterian Rock Church, 7400 South Outer 364 in Dardenne Prairie on the first Wednesday of the month. Unique service of music, worship, and prayer for those in need of hope and healing.

Wednesdays: St. Charles Area Wood Carvers

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Meetings are held at the Hollenbeck Middle School at 4555 Central School Road, St. Charles, Missouri on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Visitors are always welcome! For more information check the club web site: www.stcharlesareawoodcarvers.com/ or contact Charles Sapp.

What’s Happening

Wednesdays: Take Pounds Sensibly

Off

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the parish hall of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church at 907 Jungermann Rd. in St. Peters. TOPS is a national non-profit weight-loss organization that supports its members in attaining their goal weight. There is no cost for the first meeting. All are welcome. Weigh-ins begin at 9 a.m. Contact Judy Bauer at 636-541-2263 for further information.

Thursdays: St. Charles Rotary Club Meeting

St. Charles Rotary Club meets at noon at The Moose Lodge at 2705 Veterans Memorial Pkwy. In St Charles. Members and guests are welcome

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for lunch, leadership development and to gain a better insight into our community. www.stcharlesrotary.org.

Thursdays: American Legion meeting

On the first Thursday of each month, American Legion Post 323 meets at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd. in Wentzville. For more information call 636-327-6060.

Thursdays: Lions Club meeting

Wentzville Outreach Lions Club meets the second Thursday of the month at Schnucks at 1960 Wentzville Pkwy in Wentzville at 6 p.m. Contact Jimmy Butler at 314-780-5629 or Lisa Alexander at 314-2581069 for more information.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

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Sports

June 8, 2022 • Community News - St. Charles County • www.mycnews.com

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

Hoots start summer baseball season The O’Fallon wood-bat league plays their home games at CarShield Field in O’Fallon, playing in the Prairie Land Division of the Prospect League.

Only four games into the season the team started off winning their first contest. Since then, they have dropped three.

The team is loaded with talented players with many of them from the local area.

For more details, go to www.OFallonHoots.com *And it begins

www.drmarcycooper.com

Soccer team Ambush keep key player for five more years The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the MASL with their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The Ambush recently signed forward Eduardo Mota De Carvalho, who is better known by his nickname “Duduca,” to a five-year extension, the team announced.

The new contract keeps Duduca in an Ambush uniform through the 2026-27 season.

The Brazilian native joined the Ambush for the 201920 season, winning the Major Arena Soccer League’s Rookie of the Year honor. In three seasons with the Ambush, Duduca appeared in 46 games, tallying 55 points (35 goals and 20 assists).

Duduca came to the Ambush after playing professional futsal in Brazil. He has experience in the Concordiense Futsal Association (ACF) and National Futsal League.

Ambush General Manager and Head Coach Jeff Locker said, “Duduca has been an important part of our team the past three seasons and we see him playing a key role in our success moving forward.”

The Ambush will kick off their tenth season this fall.

Fans can stay current on all Ambush news during the off season by visiting the team’s official website, www.

STLAmbush.com. *Great acquisition Soccer teams have the opportunity to sign new players The 2022-23 Free Agency period begins today for the

MASL professional soccer teams.

The transaction market is open for teams to sign free agents whose contracts have expired or new players to the league. *Show me the money Two UMSL athletes honored for the past year efforts University of Missouri-St. Louis senior Mimi Bradley of the softball team and redshirt sophomore Trever Moore of the men’s basketball team have been named as the Tritons’ James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award winners for the 2021-22 year. The award is named after the former Bellarmine director of athletics and multisport coach who is considered one of the pioneers of the GLVC. The duo were two of 30 student-athletes, one male and one female from each of the league’s 15 schools, formally recognized after learning of their honors during their respective All-Conference process this past year. Each institution – through the head coach – names one award honoree in each sport sponsored.

These individual sport honorees became candidates for the James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Individual Award. Each institution then selects one male and one female student-athlete from its season-long list of honorees to be named as James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Individual Award winners.

Also, during the initial nomination process, each institution’s coach ranks the top-three teams within the sport that best displayed good sportsmanship throughout the season with Southwest Baptist taking the honors. *Well deserved Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time.

He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural season, and co-hosted SportsRadioSTL.com, and is currently hosting a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

www.mycnews.com • Community News • June 8, 2022

Recipe: Beat the heat with a chilled beverage

H

ardly anything beats a cold, refreshing drink on a hot day. This Fizzy Orange Pineapple Punch provides a chilling moment of relaxation with the sweetness of orange and pineapple combined with the cool flavor of orange sherbet.

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– SUDOKU –

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

Fizzy Orange Pineapple Punch Ingredients:

1 bottle (2 liters) ginger ale

1 can (46 ounces) pineapple juice, chilled

6-8 scoops orange sherbet

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

mint leaves, for garnish

orange slices, for garnish

1 can (6 ounces) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed Directions: In large punch bowl, combine pineapple juice, condensed milk and orange juice concentrate. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Before serving, add ginger ale and top with scoops of sherbet, orange slices and mint.

Find more drink recipes at Culinary.net

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ flies high

I

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

n 1986, “Top Gun,” a film about the Navy’s elite fighter pilots, arrived in theaters. With Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer leading the cast, that summer blockbuster inspired some audience members to join the military. Reportedly, the Navy actually set up recruiting tables inside theaters to capitalize on that trend. Unfortunately, not every recruit had the skills to fly, so some sailors spent more time on the ground than in the air.

Naval officers also returned to multiplexes for “Top Gun: Maverick,” the long-awaited sequel. Tom Cruise reprised the role of Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a superb pilot who flaunted the rules by buzzing control towers without permission. After decades of military service, Mitchell hasn’t been promoted while his former rival, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer), became a four-star admiral. When a dangerous assignment was planned, Kazansky requested Maverick train the Top Gun pilots for that mission.

With a solid soundtrack that included the Kenny Loggins’ classic hit “Danger Zone,” “Top Gun: Maverick” was, in many ways, more satisfying than the first film. Pete Mitchell’s career trajectory had stalled, but, as played

by Cruise, he was happy in his own skin. Despite all the odds, Maverick actually grew up between films and displayed a heightened level of maturity. Once fierce rivals, Iceman and Maverick also became best friends over the years.

The original “Top Gun” gave Maverick a love

later, there’s no mention of Charlie or Carole Bradshaw (Meg Ryan), the wife of Maverick’s deceased best friend Goose (Anthony Edwards). The current storyline indicated that Pete Mitchell gave up teaching after a few months to do what he does best: flying.

Although his parents aren’t in the picture, Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller) followed in his father’s footsteps and became a Top Gun graduate. Bradley was angry with Maverick for delaying his entry into the U.S Naval Academy, which set his career back four years. Goose’s son also blamed Maverick for the death of his father, but the two of them needed to work together in order to complete their dangerous mission.

The increased maturity level also affected Maverick’s love life. Pete’s renewed relationship with former flame Penny (a no-nonsense Jennifer Connelly) was more intriguing than his previous love interests. Penny, a single mother, owned a bar and, in one scene, Maverick violated a house rule that forced Maverick to repeatedly buy rounds for the house. The Penny/Pete dynamic worked well here but her daughter wasn’t too sure about Maverick.

“Top Gun: Maverick” should be in theaters ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ photo courtesy Paramount Pictures for a while, but it might be a good idea to not sign up for the Navy until after the adrenaline interest in Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood (Kelly McGillis), an astrophysicist and instructor. She rush wears off.

“Top Gun: Maverick,” rated PG-13, currently and Pete had a torrid romance and, as the original film ended, Maverick indicated that he would is playing in theaters. stay on as a Top Gun instructor. Thirty-six years

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COLLECTIBLES

June 8, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

HELP WANTED

NOVENA

SERVICES

PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

PET CEMETERY

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, Pray for us. St. Jude, Helper of the Hopeless, Pray for us.

over 4,000 pet burials; over 6 acres; over 60 yrs old. 314-576-3030 www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info www.memoryparkpetcemetery.info

Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days, then publish. Your prayers will be answered.

It has never been known to fail.

Thank you, St. Jude. R.H.

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June 8, 2022 • Community News • www.mycnews.com

Yeggs

John Hanna

Crossword: Fabrics

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.

Moore on Life

By Cindy Moore

Trip down memory lane

The price of a gallon of gas now costs more than a gallon of milk. Sadly, the days of the good old affordable road trip have gone the ways of the dinosaur. Hmm, now that’s ironic, when you consider all those shmushed up remains are responsible for the fuel that made those trips possible.

So, with prices in some states at eight dollars a gallon summer vacations are going to have to be more creative, and much more practical.

Dad: “Hey kids load up in the car. It’s vacation time!”

Kids: “Yay! Where are we gonna go?”

“First, we’ll head over to the grocery store to load up on bread, eggs, TP and other necessities, then off to the post office. You can each deposit one of our bills in the mailbox. Sound good so far?”

“Aww gee, Dad, that doesn’t sound fun at all.”

“Oh, but that’s just the beginning; it gets better.

Next, we’re going to stop off at the bank and see if our 201k has changed back into a 401k yet. If not, we’ll head on over to the thrift store.”

Mom: “Do we have things to drop off?”

“Pshaw. Are you kidding? I’m going to see if they’ll return the stuff I donated last month.”

Kids: “Can we at least stop at the dollar store to buy something?”

“Oh heck no! It’s now the five-dollar store. But if you pool your money together, I’m sure you can

come up with enough for a gallon of gas to get us home or a gallon of milk for breakfast. Rock, paper, scissor to decide.”

Kids: “This is the worst vacation ever! We wanna go to the zoo. We wanna see the monkeys.”

“Sorry. No can do. Monkey pox is on the rise and we have to be extra careful. So, we’ll just pretend we are monkeys and swing on over to the library and look at pictures of them.”

Mom: “Are you sure books are still free there?”

“Actually, no. Change of plans. We’re going to do something fun I did every day during my summer vacation when I was young.”

Kids: “Bike riding again?!”

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation?

Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

ACROSS 1. Ingratiating behavior 6. Testing site 9. Mix together 13. Veranda on Moloka’i 14. Lennon’s widow 15. Pilaff, to some 16. Neural transmitters 17. Stumblebum 18. Renter’s paper 19. *Plaid weave 21. *Cozy pajama fabric 23. Thanksgiving side?

24. Sign up 25. ____ Francisco 28. 100 centavos 30. *Woven reversible patterned fabric 35. Tucked in at night 37. Unwelcome mail?

39. Italian alternative 40. Brazilian indigenous people 41. Give out 43. Eye part 44. Violinist Perlman or violinist Stern 46. Toy flyer 47. Clickable text 48. Lady Hamilton’s lover 50. Become puddle from icicle 52. Hula dancer’s necklace 53. Bloody

55. Cuban dance step 57. *Popular prom dress choice 61. *Namesake of a lemon cake 65. Approximately 70% of Earth 66. Daniel ____-Lewis 68. City in Belgium 69. Not slouching 70. Khan’s honorific 71. Viva voce exams 72. Expunge 73. Actor/director Howard 74. Boundary lines DOWN 1. Smelting waste 2. Longer than midi 3. Any day now, formerly 4. Long-limbed 5. Unfortunate outcome 6. *Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver 7. Saint Anne, or Santa ____ 8. Resoundingly successful 9. Demeanor 10. Slovenian ski maker 11. Cut with a beam 12. Matt Damon/Adam Driver movie “The Last ____” 15. 2-dimensional

20. Single-cell protozoan 22. Manhole cover 24. Joviality 25. *”Nights in White ____” 26. Bullying, e.g.

27. Katmandu country 29. *Eurasian trade route namesake 31. Stake driver 32. Blacksmith’s block 33. Part of a play 34. *Chinos fabric 36. “Buenos ___” 38. Adverse 42. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “____ Your Children” 45. Powerfully persuasive 49. 1990s negation 51. Formerly, formerly 54. “M*A*S*H” character 56. Flambé 57. Three-____ sloth 58. 0.405 hectare 59. Perceive by touch 60. *A wedding veil covers it 61. Blue hue 62. Notable achievement 63. Eye amorously 64. Scotland’s famous lake 67. Gone by SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 9