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Life Story: Calvin Howard ‘Sam’ McCreary of Festus

Posted May 18, 2013 at 1:00 pm

“Life Story,” posted each Saturday on Leader Publications’ website, focuses on one individual’s impact on his or her community. Today’s story is written by Laura Marlow.

Sam McCreary was the guy who remembered.

“He had an uncanny ability to remember all kinds of facts,” said his daughter, Patti Williams, 56, of the Festus area. “A few years back, we had a 50th anniversary party for my mom and dad, and we had probably 60 or more people there.

“He proceeded to stand up and introduce everybody. And he didn’t just know their names; he knew little facts and things, and he said a little something about each of them.”

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    Prep district baseball: St. Pius upsets Herculaneum, Windsor falls to Lutheran South

    St. Pius overcame an early 3-0 deficit to edge Herculaneum 6-5 in the championship game of the Class 3 District 3 baseball tournament on Wednesday (May 15) at Leadwood. Herculaneum took a 3-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run double by Austin Adams and Michel Hartmann’s run-scoring single. The Lancers tied it 3-3 in the fifth when Jacob Mueller reached on a single and later scored on a wild pitch by Herky starter Brady Womacks. After the teams tied again at 5-5, Lancer starting

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    Sandy Creek Covered Bridge getting update thanks to federal grant

    The Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site near Goldman is getting facelift thanks to a federal grant awarded to Missouri State Parks in 2011.

    It is one of two Missouri historic covered bridges slated for additional protection and preservation efforts, paid for by the $144,788 grant from the Federal Highway Administration.

    The grants are through the National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program and are intended to assist the states in their efforts to preserve,

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    Hillsboro wins first-ever district title in girls soccer

    The Hillsboro girls soccer team defeated Windsor 1-0 on Wednesday (May 15) to win the Class 2 District 2 championship at Hillsboro. It’s the first district title ever for the Hawks’ girls team and only the second soccer district crown in school history, following the boys’ win in 2010. Junior Kirsten Settle knocked in the winning goal on a head ball with 7:40 left in regulation.

    Windsor, the top seed in the district, finishes the season with a

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    Hwy. H to close for construction on May 28

    The Missouri Department of Transportation will close the Hwy. H bridge over the Big River near the Merrill Horse River Access west of De Soto starting Tuesday, May 28, weather permitting.

    The bridge will be closed for about two months this summer.

    Motorists will be directed to take Hwy. 21 to Hwy. Y to Hwy. WW and back to Hwy. H at Fletcher while Hwy. H is closed.

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    Good News: De Soto Junior High honored for having ‘CharacterPlus’

    De Soto Junior High School recently was chosen as a winning school in the “Champions for Character: Celebrating Service Learning” recognition program sponsored by Cardinals Care and CharacterPlus. The award focused on student service learning. Service learning projects are integrated into the school curriculum and school culture. For instance, students in Communications Arts and computer classes wrote and designed thank you letters and cards to building support staff, local law enforcement and emergency personnel, and the military. Also, art students created a

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    Pasta House restaurant reportedly coming to Festus

    Don and Rhiannon Bolinger, co-owners of a Pasta House restaurant in Union, said today (May 16) they plan to build a Pasta House on a 7-acre tract they own on Galemore Street, off Hwy. A near Pounds Road, in west Festus.

    “We are planning on being open with the Pasta House this year,” Don Bolinger said. “We want to be open by Nov. 1.”

    The Bolingers, who have lived in the Festus area

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    Good News: De Soto Doves Bible Quiz team advances to nationals

    The De Soto Doves Junior Bible Quiz team, representing the First Assembly of God Church in De Soto, earned honors at sectional, district and regional competitions and has qualified to compete at the national competition June 6-8 in Cedar Hill, Texas.

    The church has two teams – A Team and C Team. Both teams placed first in sectional competition. From the A Team, Marc Grogan took first-place honors and Sophie Lawson placed 10th.

    … Read More…
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    More than $8,700 in items stolen from Festus-area home; victim suspects relative

    More than $8,700 in guns, jewelry and other items recently were stolen from a home in the 1200 block of Spring Bluff Road in the Festus area, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reports.

    Between May 1 and May 6, someone forced open a window in the front of the home and stole the items, the report said.

    Stolen items included a 9mm Ruger semi-automatic handgun; a .38-caliber Taurus five-shot revolver; a men’s

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    Festus school board cuts list of applicants from 6 to 3 to replace Burns

    The Festus Board of Education last night (May 15) narrowed a field of six applicants to three to replace Janice Burns on the board.

    Burns resigned last month citing health reasons. A retired elementary school teacher in the district, she had served on the school board since 1999.

    The list of applicants who asked to be considered to fill her spot included Mark Johnson, Rick Geringer, Rebecca Ruth, Colby Holland, Shane Neel

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    My Leader Yummy—Triple-Berry Cobbler

    Leader food writer Kathleen Brotherton is offering website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature.

    What a great time of year for strawberry lovers! And, before you know it, raspberries and blackberries will be in season too. Usually, there are still a few strawberries around when raspberries begin to bear fruit, but the blackberries and dewberries are ready a little later in the season.

    How I remember when

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    Ritrovato, 37, pleads guilty to 2009 De Soto-area murder

    Kenneth J. Ritrovato Jr. of Ste. Genevieve pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 years in prison today (May 15) at the Jefferson County Courthouse for the 2009 stabbing murder of Chester A. Scherer following a party in the De Soto area.

    Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Forrest Wegge said Div. 4 Circuit Judge Mark Stoll heard Ritrovato’s guilty plea and then sentenced him to 16 years in prison for second-degree murder and four years in prison for armed criminal action. The

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    Crystal City U.S. Bank robbed at noon today

    At around noon today (May 15) a man described as being in his early 20s entered and robbed the U.S. Bank at 550 Bailey Road, Crystal City, authorities report.

    “A white male about 6 feet, thin build, entered the bank and demanded money,” Crystal City Police Chief Jeff McCreary reported. “He was successful in getting some money and took off on foot running toward Main Street.”

    McCreary said the suspect did not display

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    St. Pius beats Saxony Lutheran in second overtime to win district soccer crown

    The St. Pius girls soccer team, shaking off injuries and illnesses that have beset several players, outlasted Saxony Lutheran 1-0 in double overtime to win the Class 1 District 1 championship on Tuesday (May 14) at St. Pius. The winning goal came on a shot by Alex Ottoline that deflected off a Saxony defender and into the goal with 6:58 left in the second overtime.

    It was the second meeting in a week between the two private-school powerhouses,

    … Read More…
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    74-year-old woman dies in collision on Hwy. 30 at Scotsdale

    A Eureka woman was killed and two other people received minor injuries in a collision at 3:29 p.m. Tuesday (May 14) on westbound Hwy. 30 at Scotsdale Boulevard in Scotsdale, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reports.

    Mary E. Howard, 74, driver of a 2004 Ford Taurus, died in the accident, the patrol reported.

    A passenger in her car, Christian Howard, 8, also of Eureka, received minor injuries and was taken by North Jefferson County Ambulance

    … Read More…
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    Sneak peek: Here’s what’s coming in your May 16 Leader

    ■ Know you have a failing septic system, but flush out of ways to fund a replacement? The last installment in the Leader’s series on Jefferson County’s sewage problems offers information on government programs to help. (Arnold-Imperial Leader, Jefferson County Leader).

    ■ Jefferson High School held its first-ever commencement Saturday. A feature package by Tracey Bruce, Laura Marlow and Ted

    … Read More…
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    Seckman wins district baseball crown

    The top-seeded Seckman Jaguars defeated Jackson 8-3 on Monday (May 13) to win the championship of the Class 5 District 1 baseball tournament at Hillsboro. Jaguar power hitter Brady Politte blasted a two-run home run in the third inning to give Seckman a 3-1 lead and the Jaguars rolled from there in turning back the second-seeded Indians. It’s the second district baseball title in Seckman school history; the Jaguars also won in 2006.

    Head coach Brad Hagedorn will lead

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    Good news: Twin City Area Optimist Club honors local students

    As part of its Youth Appreciation Project, members of the Twin City Area Optimist Club recently honored seven students for their accomplishments.

    The students were selected by their high school teachers, counselors or principals because of their academic achievement, civic accomplishments, service to their community and school and extracurricular activities.

    “We want to recognize local youth for their efforts in the arts, athletics, academics and community service work,” said Barb Schmidt, Optimist president. “We

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    PET SPOT: Millie is an accomplished pig

    PET SPOT invites readers to tell a story about their pet and submit it, plus an attached photo, to nvrweakly@aol.com. Please include a phone number. A new PET SPOT is posted weekly. Karen Lucy of Imperial wrote this week’s submission about her pet.

    This is Millie, under the covers, in a picture taken in 2011. She sleeps inside our home. She has about a dozen blankets in her bed, and she likes to root around in

    … Read More…
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    Athlete of the Week (May 12, 2013) – Collin Edwards, Seckman baseball

    One of seven seniors on the Jaguars’ roster, Edwards collected seven hits in 16 at-bats and had four stolen bases to help Seckman win four games last week, three of them over teams with winning records – Jackson, DeSmet and Festus. In Saturday’s Class 5 District 1 semifinal game against Cape Girardeau Central, Edwards blasted a three-run homer to break the game open and also hit a double in the 10-4 victory. For the season he leads the Jaguars in batting average (.400) and on-base percentage (.481)

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    Life Story: Ray Portell, 92, of Crystal City

    Those who knew him best are sure that Raymond “Ray” Portell, 92, who died May 4 at his Crystal City home, hasn’t given up his favorite pastime.

    “His whole life was just selling cars,” said his longtime girlfriend, Pat Thole, 80, of St. Louis County. “Some of us were talking the other day, and we were laughing and saying we bet he’s already sold a bunch where he is now.”

    Mr. Portell grew up

    … Read More…
    Marge & Jim Meyer, neighbors of MW Recycling.jpg

    MW Recycling neighbors not satisfied after DNR meeting

    At least 15 homes near MW Recycling in Festus (formerly Shapiro Brothers) need soil replacement because of high lead levels, officials told neighbors of the business at a public meeting Thursday (May 9).

    Three yards need to be wholly replaced while 12 need only partial replacement, the officials said. Soil was tested at 46 residential properties near the 15-acre scrap metal facility, which has operated at Ninth Street and Delmar Avenue since 1946.

    … Read More…
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    Arnold woman convicted of second-degree murder in granddaughter’s death

    Theresa Fortner, 49, of Arnold has been found guilty of three felony charges in connection with the death of her 18-month old granddaughter in a drunk-driving accident in July 2011, court records show.

    Fortner is scheduled to be sentenced June 5 by St. Louis Div. 21 Circuit Judge Thomas C. Grady, who found her guilty April 25 of murder in the second degree, armed criminal action and endangering the welfare of a child.

    The St.

    … Read More…
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    Dragons blank St. Pius in regular-season finale

    Despite getting only four hits, De Soto cruised past St. Pius 7-0 on Thursday (May 9) in the final regular-season game of 2013 for both teams. The host Dragons went ahead 6-0 in the first inning as the beneficiaries of five walks handed out by Lancer starter and losing pitcher Brad Coleman. Two runs scored on an infield error and another two came home on a double by De Soto first baseman Dominic Bays.

    Dillon Huskey started

    … Read More…
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    Lancers lose in overtime in showdown game at Saxony Lutheran

    The St. Pius girls soccer team lost 2-1 to Saxony Lutheran in overtime on Wednesday (May 8) at Jackson in a showdown of the two highest-ranked teams in Class 1 in Missouri. The loss snapped a 13-game winning streak for the Lancers (18-3), who had allowed only two goals in that streak. The Crusaders, No. 1 in the state coaches’ poll, improved to 19-1.

    After a scoreless first half, the Crusaders jumped in front on a goal by freshman Grace

    … Read More…
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    Pevely man gets 5 years after guilty plea to 4th DWI

    David Gerald Norman, 32, of Pevely has been sentenced to five years in prison for driving while intoxicated and violating probation, court papers indicate.

    It was his fourth DWI offense, according to the report.

    On July 21, 2012, Norman was found driving under the influence of alcohol on Hwy. 61 north of Koch Valley Road in the Barnhart area, the report said.

    He pleaded

    … Read More…
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    Festus officials increase meal allowance for traveling employees

    Festus City Council members by a 6-2 vote Wednesday (May 8) approved raising the meal money allowance for employee business travel expenses from $25 to $50 a day.

    When attending out-of-town business functions on behalf of the city, employees are reimbursed for meals they pay for themselves. However, city policy requires them to eat at an event if a meal is provided in the fee to attend, rather than eat elsewhere and charge it to the city.

    … Read More…
    baked ham and cheese toasts 2.jpg

    My Leader Yummy—Baked Ham and Cheese Toasts

    Leader food writer Kathleen Brotherton is offering website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature.

    With temperatures on the upswing, most of us start to use our ovens less than we did in previous months. We also like to spend more time outside, after being cooped up all winter, often leaving less time to get meals on the table.

    Crockpots really come in handy for

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    Rush family.jpg

    Sneak peek: Here’s what’s coming in your May 9 Leader

    ■ Jefferson County mom, Lisa Casey-Rush, 49, feels blessed by her later-in-life motherhood. She and husband Mike Rush, 51, have two sons: Connor, 4, and Carter, 3. Reporter Peggy Scott offers a Mother’s Day feature story on the family. (Arnold-Imperial Leader, Jefferson County Leader).

    ■ Herrell’s Market in Imperial has been operated by members of the Herrell family for 49 years and has served the Imperial community for 109 years. The market has been

    … Read More…
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    Owls, Black Cats are conference baseball champs

    Windsor defeated De Soto 9-7 in eight innings on April 29, giving the Owls a 4-0 record and first place in the Jefferson County Activities Association (JCAA) large-schools division for 2013. With that win plus a victory the next day over Gibault, an Illinois school, Windsor improved to 10-6 overall this spring. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Ryan Harris, Tyler Stenger, Jordan Spencer, Evan Asher, Nick Urban, Alex Andrews, Danny Brice and Blake Domahowski. In back are assistant coach Chris Picarella, Phil

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    LOOKING BACK – To Arnold Auto Repair

    LOOKING BACK is a Leader online feature that highlights historic photos. Readers are invited to submit their historic Jefferson County photos for online publication.

    Remember when service stations also repaired automobiles? It seems like a long time ago, but many residents of Arnold remember Arnold Auto Repair.

    It’s not likely that anyone remembers the business’s beginnings, as it opened in 1914 as a blacksmith shop, where Joe Gangloff

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    Herculaneum dog park opening delayed

    The city of Herculaneum has delayed the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for All Bark Village, its new dog park at Herculaneum City Park, 850 Joachim Ave.

    The dog park is at Herculaneum City Park, 850 Joachim Ave.

    The ceremony had been scheduled for Saturday, May 11, but has been postponed due to high water levels of the nearby Joachim Creek and the resulting muddy ground.

    … Read More…
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    Supercentenarian: Jefferson County’s oldest resident, Ada ‘Irene’ Cooper, dies at 110, 8 months

    She was born during Teddy Roosevelt’s presidency, the same year the first movie theater opened in America. On the day she died, the Curiosity rover was drilling rock samples on the surface of Mars.

    Jefferson County’s oldest resident, Ada “Irene” Cooper, died May 4, 2013, at the age of 110 years, 8 months. Mrs. Cooper was born Sept. 6, 1902, and had recently joined the exclusive ranks of “Supercentenarians – those who have reached the

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    Rescuers pull 3 fishers from Meramec River

    Three young Fenton men were hurt about 8:30 a.m. Sunday (May 5), when the canoe they were in capsized on the Meramec River in the Jefferson County portion of Fenton, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reports.

    Justin T. Rhodes, 18, and Nicholas M. Headrick, 19, received minor injuries and were treated at the scene and released, the report said.

    Zachary T. Crowder, 20, received moderate injuries and was taken by Rock Township Ambulance to St.

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    Waller seeks re-election as county exec; Huey to run for County Council

    Ken Waller says he plans to seek re-election as Jefferson County executive, while Charles Huey has tossed his hat in the ring for the Jefferson County Council District 3 seat, representing the Arnold area.

    Both positions will be up for election in 2014, with primary elections in August and the general election in November. They both carry four-year terms.

    Waller, a Republican, became the first county executive when he won his race for the

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    PET SPOT-Oni and Harley P4250489.jpg

    PET SPOT: Little Oni often bullies big Harley

    PET SPOT invites readers to tell a story about their pet and submit it, plus an attached photo, to nvrweakly@aol.com. Please include a phone number. A new PET SPOT is posted weekly. Kris Amptman of Arnold wrote this week’s submission about his pets.

    These are my two dogs in a photo we took in April. Oni is a 6-year-old Chiweenie rescue that my wife has had since Oni was a puppy. We had lost our English bulldog

    … Read More…
    Kayla Meier ATW.jpg

    Athlete of the Week (May 5, 2013) – Kayla Meier, Jefferson College softball

    The sophomore pitcher-first baseman, a Fox High graduate, was named the college’s 2012-2013 scholar athlete of the year last week. With her final grade-point average of 3.91, she was one of two Viking athletes to earn the NJCAA Award for Superior Academic Achievement this year, joining Abby Landewee of the Jefferson volleyball team. Meier had a 4-1 record and three complete games in the pitcher’s circle this season, posting a 2.92 earned-run average over 38 and one-third innings while striking out 24 and walking only six. She

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    Life Story: Dr. Philip M. ‘Chip’ Rowden, 39, Herculaneum

    “Life Story,” posted each Saturday on Leader Publications’ website, focuses on one individual’s impact on his or her community. Today’s story is written by Peggy Bess.

    People who watched finalists vie for advancement to the next round at the Nazarene Church’s Bible Quiz competition in Kansas City on April 20 were witnesses to courage that would make any dad proud.

    Herculaneum teen Jordan Rowden, 14,

    … Read More…