CNSTC: September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

A hero’s sendoff

A decorated K-9 searchand-rescue dog is retiring from service in the St. Charles County Police Department after celebrated career

St. Charles County Police Officer Courtney Spiess knew from the jump that she had something special.

It was 2016, and Spiess had just guided a K-9 searchand-rescue dog named Tank through his recently completed training and certification. The ink wasn’t even 24-hours old on the diploma before the Hanoverian Scenthound was called into action.

“It was our very first day back from school certification,” Spiess said. “It was not even a regular shift. We were called in because there was an autistic boy in O’Fallon who had gone missing.”

No one could find the child. The helicopter heat sensors were coming up empty. In stepped the fury rookie.

“We gave Tank the t-shirt of the child and within two minutes, (the child) was found,” Spiess said. “It was amazing

how quickly our training was put to use.”

Two weeks later, a dementia patient had gone missing. Two other canine officers had taken a crack at it but to no avail.

Time was ticking. The patient had been missing for over six hours before Tank was given a pillow case.

“About 12-to-16 minutes lat-

er, Tank found the guy,” Spiess said.

Late last week, the St. Charles County Police Department was filled with fellow officers and others who showered praise on the K-9 hero. Now eight-yearsold, age and the physicality of the job have caught up with Tank. Nagging back pain began two years ago and he is retiring on the advice of his doctor. The ceremony included a tribute video, plenty of selfies and all of the scratches, pets and dog treats he could take.

“I was ready for his final call on the radio, but they didn’t warn me about the video,” Spiess said. “That did make me cry. It was emotional hearing from the people we had helped and the people he had touched. It was a little bit overwhelming.”

Tank’s success rate was second to none. During his career, he helped locate and save 13 missing people who were at risk of harm due to mental or physical health needs. He tracked multiple bank robbers, escaped inmates and homicide suspects. Tank played an essential role locating key evidence for an armed robbery case in St. Charles and a homicide case in Bridgeton. He also located a combined total of $100,000 in cash associated with illegal nar-

See ‘HERO’ page 2

Around Town

St. Charles County honors Purple Heart recipients Pg. 3

Innsbrook to host annual Car and Truck Show Oct. 7. Pg. 4

Mosaics Fine Art Festival receives grant. Pg. 4

Features

Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1

Weather

FRIDAY Cloudy 80/63

SATURDAY Partly Cloudy 81/63

SUNDAY Partly Cloudy 78/59

READ US ONLINE!

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County hosts homebuyer readiness program Pg. 3

By Brett Auten

“We gave Tank the t-shirt of the child and within two minutes, (the child) was found. It was amazing how quickly our training was put to use.”

~ Officer Courtney Spiess, SCCPD

Submitted photo

After seven years on the job, Tank, a decorated K-9 officer with the St. Charles County Police Department, retired last week. Tank has helped locate and save 13 missing people who were at risk of harm due to mental or physical health needs and tracked multiple bank robbers, escaped inmates and homicide suspects. He is pictured with his trainer, St. Charles County Officer Courtney Spiess.

Around Town

cotics during two notable drug arrests.

“Tank has certainly earned his retirement, and we hope he gets to enjoy many more happy years at home with Officer Spiess,” St. Charles County Police Chief Kurt Frisz said. “He’s been a great K-9 officer, and we’ll miss seeing him at the station.”

He will remain with Spiess, who has already started training her new K-9 sidekick, a yet-tobe-named female Hanoverian Scenthound.

The typical overachiever, it is no surprise that Tank is ahead of schedule on his recovery.

“He’s ready to do all of his favorite things: camping, floating and swimming,” Spiess said. “We are extremely grateful that people came out to celebrate. I think this is a first-ever (K-9) retirement ceremony and he is deserving of it for putting his life and body on the line for our community.”

Gateway Fiber unveils cutting-edge fiber optic internet service in Marthasville

With the cut of big scissors, Marthasville became the first community to start benefitting from the $25 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant awarded to Gateway Fiber through a partnership with the state of Missouri to bring its revolutionary 100% fiber optic internet service to the area. The celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for Marthasville’s residents and businesses alike.

Gateway Fiber’s fiber optic internet service brings speeds never seen in the Marthasville area. With bandwidth that exceeds traditional internet services, fiber internet provides ultra-fast symmetrical upload and down speeds allowing customers to seamlessly stream high-definition content, engage in remote work, and explore online educational opportunities without the slowdowns they experience with their current internet connections. Local businesses can also use the power of fiber to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and explore new avenues for growth.

“Today, Marthasville residents are realizing a vision that has been years in the making,” said Gateway Fiber CEO Heath Sellenriek. “Our 100%

Conservation Corner: As the world terns

During the month of September, Missouri skies see many avian visitors pass by on their autumn migration paths. There is one particular bird that is especially cosmopolitan. Even its name evokes a place exotic to most Midwesterners. Yet it graces the Show-Me-State with a brief stopover on its epic fall journey. It’s the Caspian tern.

Terns are a cohort of birds considered seabirds and they come from the same family as gulls. The Caspian is the largest of terns. It spreads a wingspan of over 50 inches. Adults have black legs, and a long and thick bill that’s prominently red-orange with a small black tip. Most of the bird is whitish, but breeding adults sport a dark black cap. They speak and a loud, harsh clack, much like the sound of a great blue heron.

Ornithologists did indeed name the bird for the Caspian Sea located east of the Caucasus between Europe and Asia, where it tends to be abundantly found. As a cosmopolitan bird though, the species can be also breed in large lakes and ocean coasts in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The Caspian tern truly leaves its mark on many continents.

The Caspian terns in North America migrate through the continent (including over Missouri) to southern coasts, the West Indies, and the northernmost parts of South America. The birds fly at night during migration, and

they sometimes stop at wetlands and large lakes in our state for rest or to grab a quick meal.

Caspian terns prefer to eat fish. The bird usually flies high over the water, then hovers until it catches sight of a prospective meal. Swiftly, it plummets to snatch a fish from below surface. Not being too proud, it may sometimes rob another bird of its food. Often in nature, ethics are dictated by practicality. Caspians will occasionally eat large insects too, or the young and eggs of other birds, and rodents.

Fish not only play an important role in the Caspian tern’s diet, but in its courtship as well. To get the interest of a female, a male Caspian flies over the colony carrying a fish. In time, it lands near a female of choice and presents the fish as a gift with a nodding gesture. If the female is receptive, it will take the fish. Sometimes the pair will perform a juvenile-like feeding display where they hunch down, jerk bills upward several times, and call. The newly minted

fiber internet service will now connect individuals, families and businesses at lightning-fast speeds and open limitless opportunities for education, commerce and community engagement. We are proud to bring this service to Marthasville, a community that has been asking for better internet connectivity for a very long time.”

Gateway Fiber President, Chris Surdo, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative impact of fiber optic internet on local businesses.

“Marthasville’s economic landscape is poised for success,” Surdo said. “Our state-of-the-art fiber technology will enable entrepreneurs and businesses to compete both locally and globally. We are thrilled to be part of this journey with the town of Marthasville.”

The ARPA grant project has played a pivotal role in making this ambitious endeavor a reality. The $25 million award has empowered Gateway Fiber to deploy a cutting-edge fiber network to Marthasville and beyond, creating a blueprint for surrounding communities to follow.

Residents and businesses can sign up for new internet service by visiting GatewayFiber.com or calling 888-201-4339.

By Dan Zarlenga

pair will fly hundreds of feet into the air to perform courtship flights over the colony, loudly announcing their partnership. Both partners participate in selecting a spot for their nest. They stake their own little piece of the world, usually a territory of five feet across, to raise their avian family. Once the eggs are laid, Caspian terns enthusiastically defend their small territories. They threaten would-be intruders by puffing up their feathers, raising their head crests, opening their bills, then making warning calls, and even attacking as a last resort. Their young are certainly well protected as they grow into the next generation of Caspian terns.

All the world’s a stage for Caspian terns. We are lucky enough that these amazing birds have some of their exits and their entrances within our small corner, just as we like it.

Dan Zarlenga is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Media Specialist for the St. Louis Region, where he’s served since 2008. He likes to dabble in nature photography, hiking, exploring Missouri and its night skies, and occasionally backpacking and kayaking.

Submitted photo

St. Charles County honors Purple Heart recipients

The St. Charles County Council is honoring recipients of the Purple Heart medal for their courage and sacrifice by designating the county as a Purple Heart County. The Purple Heart is the oldest U.S. military decoration in use, recognizing those who are wounded or killed in the line of duty.

“We want to show our appreciation for the sacrifices of our military men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation,” says Council Chair Terry Hollander. “They have earned our gratitude and support, and we are honored to share our community with Purple Heart veterans who

call St. Charles County home.” Purple Heart County designations are recognized by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a nationwide veterans’ service organization comprised entirely of Purple Heart recipients. Eighty-five of Missouri’s 114 counties have now become Purple Heart Counties, with veterans across the state advocating to make Missouri the second state to have all its counties adopt this designation.

“As a veteran and chair of the St. Charles County Veterans Best Practices Working Group, I appreciate the council’s support in making our county a Purple Heart

County,” says Elections Director Kurt Bahr. “Their formal recognition of all combat-wounded veterans from our county in wars past, present and future is a significant way to pay our respects to those veterans who sacrificed in times of great strife. This resolution tells the veterans in St. Charles County that their service is recognized and valued.”

The Council’s Purple Heart County resolution can be found at sccmo.org/PurpleHeartCounty. For more information on the St. Charles County Veterans Best Practices Working Group, visit sccmo.org/VBPWG.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County hosts homebuyer readiness program

Together with community partners, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County offers free financial coaching and skills workshops in September as part of its 2023 Homebuyer Readiness Program, which is designed to help individuals overcome financial challenges to achieve their goals of homeownership, as well as learn how to navigate the often-complex process in the purchase of a home.

Workshops include:

• Sept. 25 All Things Homeownership and Next Steps

Classes are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at First Mid Bank & Trust at 295 Salt Lick Road in St. Peters. Participants are encouraged to attend each workshop, but also are welcome to choose workshops of particular interest. To register, contact Shana Eubanks, homeowner support manager, at 636-978-5712, extension 118, or shana@habitatstcharles.org

The Homebuyer Readiness Program provides resources and engages in activities on setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals to help ensure objectives are attainable within a certain time frame. Upon completion of the program, participants will have gained an overall understanding on ways to improve their credit and set a path toward obtaining preapproval for a mortgage.

“Through programs like our Homebuyer Readiness Program, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles

County is a leader in helping to solve housing issues in our community, partnering with families and providing the greatest tools needed for homeownership: financial education,” said Michelle Woods, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. “Together with our valued community partners, the door to home ownership can open for more families in our community.”

Marking its 25th anniversary last year, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County has completed the construction of 97 safe, decent and affordable homes – with additional homes underway. Each home is built by the Habitat St. Charles construction team and a selected homeowner, who join forces with the more than 2,000 volunteers donating 14,000 hours each year. The nonprofit community-level affiliate acts in partnership with and on behalf of Habitat for Humanity, an international, non-governmental, nonprofit organization devoted to building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County offers a “hand up” opportunity that transforms lives, builds a strong foundation and forges lasting relationships with communities for a bright future.

Applicants and co-applicants selected for a Habitat home agree to perform a minimum of 150 “sweat equity” hours each, for a total of at least 300-to-450 hours in the building of their home or on other Habitat projects. In collaboration with community partners, Habitat for

Humanity of St. Charles County offers free financial coaching and skills to potential homeowners through the Homebuyer Readiness Program, in which participants learn about credit, debt, budgeting, setting goals and saving money. In addition, the organization guides homeowners through an affordable mortgage repayment process.

To help fund and support these efforts, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County operates the Habitat St. Charles ReStore http://habitatstcharles.org/restore/, a retail outlet located at 186 Mid Rivers Center in St. Peters. ReStore, which opened in 2007, has diverted over 100,000 tons of waste from local landfills by selling donated new and used building materials, appliances, furniture and select home goods items back to the general public at fair prices. The objective for funds raised at ReStore is for Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County to be self-sustaining, with the goal that 100 percent of every dollar donated goes directly toward the building of simple, decent, affordable homes for families in St. Charles County.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County hosts an annual gala as its premier fundraiser in November, a trivia night each spring and supports local efforts toward Women Build, a Habitat for Humanity International program that provides opportunities for women to take proactive steps in serving their communities.

Around Town

to host annual Car and Truck Show Oct. 7

IInnsbrook will host its annual fall Car and Truck Show on Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Charrette Creek Commons, located just 45 minutes west of St. Louis inside the Innsbrook Resort gates.

People of all ages are invited to cruise in and experience the beauty of Innsbrook while exploring and learning about the unique collection of vehicles on display. This event is free for spectators to attend and is open to the public.

Car and truck lovers of all ages have been attending this event since 2010 and car owners are excited to show off their collection of vehicles to the public.

“This is a great opportunity for auto enthusiasts to showcase their unique vehicles while also sharing their passion for their hobby with people in the community,” said Innsbrook Activities Director, Tracy Dickherber. “Plus, attendees will get to enjoy concessions from Pappy’s Well Dressed Franks, live music by Seventh Planet Band, a firetruck exploration for kids, Pedego St. Louis E-bike demo rides, and have the opportunity to vote for their favorites in their respective categories. This year we also will be hosting a 50/50 raffle to benefit Focus Marines Foundation.”

All attendees can view the displayed

vehicles in the parking lot of the amenity complex. Vehicles are registered under one of 12 categories, and the spectators will vote on the winners. Judging for the Car and Truck Show will take place at 2 p.m., with awards at 2:30 p.m.

Innsbrook’s Car & Truck Show supports local charities, with this year’s charitable efforts benefiting the Focus Marines Foundation, which serves a wide range of veterans’ needs and offers financial support. For more information about the organization, please visit https://focusmarines.org/. Interested sponsors may contact Tracy at 636-928-3366 Ext. 9213.

Mosaics Fine Art Festival recently received a $24,381 grant with public support from the Missouri Arts Council (MAC), a state agency which supports the arts that strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of Missouri. This is the largest MAC grant to date that the art festival has received in its 28-year history.

The grant will support Mosaics Fine Art Festival’s 2023 annual event, which will take place Sept. 15 through 17. The three-day festival includes over 100 juried artists from 16 states who will exhibit artwork available for purchase. The family-friendly event, which is free and open to the public, will be held

“We are looking forward to seeing the impressive car and truck showcase, and enjoying the food, fun and festivities against the backdrop of our resort community’s beautiful setting in nature,” said Dickherber.

To enter your vehicle in the Car and Truck Show, pre-register by Sept. 30 for $20 by visiting https://innsbrook-owners-association.ticketleap. com/2023-carshow/, or register in-person on the day of the show for $25.

Call 636-928-3366 x9213 or email activities@innsbrook-resort.com for information.

along several blocks of North Main St. in Historic St. Charles where more than 30 restaurants and over 75 shops are located.

MAC provides funding to nonprofit organizations through grants that support quality arts programming throughout the state. The grant application scoring criteria is based on a project’s artistic quality, community involvement, and management ability. To support a full creative life for all, MAC commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible state.

“This grant enables our organization to create the most all-en-

compassing festival for people of all ages,” said Mosaics Fine Art Festival president Denise Wulff. “We greatly appreciate the Missouri Arts Council’s support for an event that has been a part of the St. Charles community for nearly three decades.”

The Mosaics Fine Art Festival is a nonprofit organization that showcases local and regional artists while educating the community’s children and adults in how art can enhance their lives. The festival features a wide array of artwork produced by a mix of emerging, mid-career and established artists in all media. For more information, call 314-4062067.

United States Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer opened his new office at 5342 Hwy N, in Cottleville. To commemorate the opening, the office held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 22.

Members of the Cottleville Weldon-Spring, Greater St. Charles, Western St. Charles, and O’Fallon Chambers of Commerce, the Mayor of Cottleville Bob Ronkowski, and other community leaders were in attendance.

In the 118th Congress, Blaine serves on the House Financial Services Committee as Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Finance Institutions, on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Community Party and on the House Small Business Committee. For additional information or to contact Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer visit www.luetkemeyer.house.gov.

United States Representative celebrates the grand opening of new office

Innsbrook

Submitted photo

Mosaics Fine Art Festival receives nearly $25,000 grant

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: Alcoholics Anonymous

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

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly

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 Leogene Weber. 636-399-3124.

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: 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: Kiwanis Club meeting

Cottleville-Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at Bandana’s at 3446 Pheasant Meadows Dr. in O’Fallon. Contact Mary Vaughan at 314-581-0497 or Karen Grant at 773-914-4900 for more information.

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: 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. 314-3696521.

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, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

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: 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, 636219-0553.

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: Toastmasters Meeting

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

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: 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: Seniors luncheon

On the third Tuesday every month a luncheon for seniors takes place from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. For more information call 636-561-8951. Free bingo and cards are available.

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 jack-ross@ 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 636-233-8032.

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 636-625-5447.

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

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

Lindenwood’s football team picks up second win

Lindenwood University’s football squad (2-1) defeated Western Illinois (0-3) by a score of 43-40 on Saturday night in Macomb, Illinois. The Lions outscored the Leathernecks 29-9 in the second half.

Western Illinois opened the scoring early in the first quarter, going up 7-0 less than a minute into the game. On Lindenwood’s first drive, Robert Giaimo got going on the ground, but the drive stalled after a fourth down stop by the Leathernecks. Western Illinois doubled its lead with another long strike and went up 14-0 with just over nine minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Lions needed just two plays to respond on its next drive, as Cole Dugger found Jeff Caldwell over the middle from 37 yards out, cutting the lead to 14-7. After a Lindenwood turnover, Western Illinois would add a late field goal to lead 17-7 after one quarter.

The Leathernecks extended their lead to 24-7 early in the second frame. Lindenwood responded with a methodical 11-play 75-yard drive, which was capped off by a Giaimo receiving score from seven yards out to make the score 24-14 with 8:40 remaining in the half. Lindenwood’s defense bent but didn’t break on the ensuing Leathernecks drive as they missed a field goal. However, Western Illinois would capitalize on a turnover to go up 31-14 late in the half and that would be the score after two quarters.

Lindenwood opened the second half with a touchdown when Giaimo Broke through from 17 yards out to cut the deficit to 31-21 early in the third quarter. Lindenwood’s defense stood strong once again on the next possession. Western Illinois couldn’t handle the snap on a field goal attempt and Devon Edwards was there to make the stop. The Lions capitalized on the offensive end, Dugger found Caldwell for a 40-yard score, making it a one possession game, 31-28 with 3:40 left in the third. We’d head to the fourth with that score.

After a long-sustained drive by the Leathernecks, Lindenwood was able to hold them to three, which made the score 34-28 with just over three minutes gone in the fourth. Once again, the Lions responded with a quick strike, as Dugger and Caldwell hooked up again, this time for a 72-yard touchdown to give Lindenwood a 35-34 lead. Western Illinois responded, taking the lead

right back, going up 40-35 with just over five minutes to go in the game. Lindenwood answered the call once again on offense, going on an 11-play 75-yard drive, which ended in another Caldwell score. The Lions got the two-point conversion to go up 43-40 with just over a minute left in the game. The Lions stood strong on defense, getting a stop and sealing the win in comeback fashion.

“Last week, we asked our guys how they were going to respond,” said head coach Jed Stugart. “I couldn’t be more proud of the resiliency they showed tonight down 17 at half. They believe in and love each other And a team that has that can overcome a lot of things. We’re a young team and they grew up a lot tonight.”

LEADERS OF THE GAME:

• Jeff Caldwell (five catches, 185 yards, four touchdowns)

• Cole Dugger (16-for-22, 270 yards, five touchdowns, 57 rushing yards)

• Robert Giaimo (20 carries, 120 yards, four catches, 29 yards, two total TDs)

• Kobe McClendon (three tackles, two TFL’s, two sacks)

• Devon Edwards (14 tackles, two TFL)

*Just getting started

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 sea son, among many other activities. I am currently host ing a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com. It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

Weare the premier consignment shop in the St. Louis area.

We are a full family consignment shop, meaning we accept gently used women’s, children’s, young men’s, accessories, household miscellaneous, toys, furniture, holiday clothing and decor. We have new items being dropped off every minute of every day so our inventory is ever changing. We hope to provide customers and consignors alike with the best possible consignment experience.

We welcome you to visit us at: GRACE’S MERRY-GO-ROUND

130 O’Fallon Plaza, O’Fallon, MO (636)281-4555

www.gracesmerrygoround.com

RECIPE : Boost your afternoon with energy bites

ThisCreamy Vegan Grape Ice Cream offers a dairy-free alternative to traditional summer sweets and is powered by Grapes from California. Simply puree grapes, combine with oat coffee creamer and let your freezer do the work. The result is a perfect balance of cold, fruity goodness in a silky-smooth bite.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound stemmed black Grapes from California

12 ounces vanilla oat coffee creamer, well chilled

12 ounces unsweetened oat coffee creamer, well chilled

DIRECTIONS:

In high-speed blender, puree grapes until smooth. Transfer to medium saucepan and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook 10-15 minutes, or until reduced to 1 cup. Cover and

CREAMY VEGAN GRAPE ICE CREAM

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10-15 minutes, plus 6-8 hours freeze time Servings: 8 (1/2 cup per serving)

Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 0 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 6 g fat (39% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 45 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

refrigerate until well chilled. Stir creamer into pureed grapes and pour into stainless steel mixer bowl. Using stand mixer, mix well. Cover and freeze 6-8 hours or overnight.

Find more ways to cool off in the heat by visiting

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.

Substituion: For lighter color, use 3/4 pound black grapes and 1/4 pound red. Note: Make sure stainless steel bowl is well chilled or frozen before making ice cream.

Looking back: John Travolta in ‘The Boy in the Plastic Bubble,’ ‘Phenomenon’

ith films such as “Saturday Night Fever,” “Grease,” “Pulp Fiction” and “Hairspray” under his belt, John Travolta continues to have a successful film career. In 1976, Travolta starred in “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble,” a made for television film inspired by David Vetter and Ted DeVita, two young men born with weakened immune systems. Travolta played Tod Lubitch, a boy who spent much of his life in germ free environments and took classes remotely. As Tod grew older and became interested in Gina Biggs (Glynnis O’Connor), the girl next door, he wanted to risk his compromised immune system and see if he could survive in the outside world.

“The Boy in the Plastic Bubble” aired while Travolta was making a name for himself on the sitcom “Welcome Back Kotter.” His performance in the television film helped further his career. Travolta also started a relationship with Diana Hyland, the actress who won an Emmy for her performance as Tod’s mother. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away on March 27, 1977, at age 41. She had been filming episodes of the new television series “Eight Is

Enough,” a series based on the life of syndicated newspaper columnist Tom Braden. In 1996, Travolta starred in “Phenomenon,” a romantic drama directed by Jon Turteltaub. Travolta played George Malley, an auto mechanic who lived in a small California town. He also was interested in a single mom named Lace (Kyra Sedgwick). To get closer to her, George let her sell her handmade chairs in his shop, but, in reality, he was the only person buying them. During his 37th birthday celebration, he said he saw “bright white lights” in the sky that knocked him down. After that encounter, George was able to process complex information and developed what appeared to be telekinesis. He even came up with new solar

panel designs and correctly predicted an earthquake.

Instead of taking over the town, George used his newfound abilities to develop a powerful fertilizer for the local farmers. He even played matchmaker for his good friend Nate (Forest Whitaker). Because George had always been a nice guy, the residents were now wary of him. After a shave and haircut courtesy of Lace, George agreed to appear at a county fair to demonstrate what he could do. The crowd lost control, however, and George fell to the ground and once again witnessed those “bright white lights.”

Science, technology and Travolta played a big part in both movies mentioned above. He was the perfect person to play George Malley in “Phenomenon,” an engaging story about a man given who took a great gift and used it to benefit others. In “The Boy in the Plastic Bubble,” Travolta was equally impressive playing Tod Lubitch, a teenager who spent most of his life relying on technology to survive. I look forward to seeing what film role John Travolta will tackle next.

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.

‘Phenomenon’ photo courtesy Touchstone Pictures

Yeggs’

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

I’m flying off to see my grown kids and I hear there is something to be excited about on this trip. What could it be you ask?

Maybe the bathroom space has increased so I won’t have to sit with my knees wedged up next to my earlobes until I’m cramped and locked into place.

No kidding

Eventually I’ll push the help button. It’s always embarrassing when the flight attendant has to ask people in the emergency row section to help unpack me from the restroom. I’m sure they weren’t expecting that type of urgent situation when they all verbally agreed to assist in the event of an emergency.

Perhaps the space between seats has been blocked so the guy behind me will keep his smelly feet inside his shoes this time? I always get some backseat intruder who thinks my armrest is his personal real estate and there for his footrest.

The buzz this time around is that kids have been relegated to a “children only zone.” Oh, how nice it will be not having some colicky baby breaking the sound barrier or not having someone’s hyperactive toddler kicking my seat for three hours like some deranged metronome.

Soon I was seated then snuggled in for a restful flight of blissful tranquility. Lucky me, I was seated in the emergency row and could enjoy a bonus of extra legroom.

No sooner had I drifted off into la-la land then I was being yelled at by the flight attendant. “Emergency!” he barked. “Follow me. This is

By Cindy Moore

not a drill!”

Our aisle ran to the back of the plane where we had to yank a portly woman out of the restroom. Believe me, I felt her pain.

Exhausted, I crawled back to my seat and tried to catch a few winks. But it was not to be. My slumber was soon interrupted by a putrid smell. Mr. Foot Odor had wedged his feet onto my armrest and was sharing his bouquet with everyone around. Fortunately, I had packed a freshly sharpened number two pencil for my crossword puzzles. One quick jab solved the problem.

I then pushed the button for the steward. He quickly came by and asked how he could help.

“One bandage for the bleeding dude behind me and a seat reassignment back with the children please.”

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.

CROSSWORD: OCEAN DWELLERS

ACROSS

1. Kind of wrap

6. Pose a question

9. Be sore

13. Ottoman title

14. Ornamental ponddweller

15. Florida Key, e.g.

16. Mr. T and friends

17. Knot-tying vow (2 words)

18. Milan's La ____

19. *Walrus' cousin (2 words)

21. *Crustacean "on the barbie"

23. Finish line

24. Creole vegetable

25. He had

28. Gives a helping hand

30. Tranquil

35. Frosts, as in cake

37. Bear, in Latin

39. All the words in a language

40. "By ____, I think she's got it!"

41. Silver to Lone Ranger

43. Chows down

44. Mark Twain to Samuel

Langhorne Clemens

46. Toupee spot

47. Pestilence pest

48. Singer Eilish

50. Rub the wrong way

52. Yoda: "Do or do not.

There is no ____"

53. *A type of whale or the color of many dolphins

55. Overnight lodging

57. *Inspiration for a certain pineapple dweller

60. *Inspiration for Marvel's Doc Ock

64. South American juice flavor

65. Bearded antelope

67. All thumbs

68. Pineda of Journey

69. Stomach pain-causing acronym

70. Hundred, in Italian

71. Hammer part

72. Not stood

73. Bar, legally

DOWN

1. R&R destinations

2. Angie Thomas' "The ____ U Give"

3. Seaward

4. *Cetology object of study

5. Thin layer

6. *Like green sea turtle and loggerhead sea turtle

7. Grass "carpet"

8. Newsstand, e.g.

9. Fungal spore sacs

10. *Edible bivalve

11. S.O.S.

12. Pilot's estimate, acr.

15. Netanyahu's country

20. Abomination

22. 9 to 5, e.g.

24. Bone burial spot

25. Muslim woman's headscarf

26. Cause for food recall

27. a.k.a. Lucifer

29. Between stop and roll

31. *Coral polyps' structure

32. Raise one's rank

33. Potassium nitrate

34. Student's request for ChatGPT?

36. *#19 Across' earless cousin

38. Hostile to

42. Opposite of ecbatic 45. Smoke, sometimes 49. Energy unit 51. Attract

54. Front of cuirass

56. Religiously unaffiliated, pl.

57. Confident answer

58. Glazier's unit

59. Baker's baker

60. Give a boot

61. Closely confined

62. Plotting

63. "____! In the Name of Love"

64. Year off in school

66. Giannis' league

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

John Hanna Yeggs