Clinton County proclaimed Purple Heart County
- Details
- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Clinton County was proclaimed a Purple Heart County. Pictured are (front row, from left) Dave Maue, Bob Zahn and Charles Deters; (back row) Clinton County Board chairman Brad Knolhoff, owner of Standin' Proud Veterans Tribute museum Carl Huels, Kathy Rakers Kampwerth, museum administrator Larissa Monken, Clinton County board member Greg Riechman and Clinton County Veterans Assistance Commission superintendent Colbey Voss. Photo by Matt Wilson The Clinton County Board approved a proclamation making Clinton County a Purple Heart County during its board meeting on Monday, Aug. 17.
Board member Greg Riechman had asked the board to consider making the proclamation during the July board meeting. With August being Purple Heart Month, he felt like the August board meeting would be the perfect time to make that proclamation.
Board chairman Brad Knolhoff read the proclamation, which was approved unanimously.
Clinton County joins St. Clair as the only two southern Illinois counties to be named Purple Heart counties. There are only 10 Purple Heart counties in Illinois.
Riechman said there is a lot to be proud of in Clinton County and the past, current and future veterans are one of them. A jewel in the county is the Standin' Proud Veterans Tribute museum in Bartelso. Carl Huels founded the museum and educates people on those who have been lost and also to promote the honor flight to Washington, D.C., Larissa Monken, Carl's daughter, is the administrator. Colbey Voss is the Clinton County Veterans assistance commission superintendent.
"I want to thank Carl, Larissa and Colbey for having discussions about making Clinton County a Purple Heart County," Riechman said.
Riechman said one of the things they found out when they had the honor flights for the local veterans was how decorated the Clinton County veterans are.
There were multiple veterans, including Purple Heart winners, that attended the Clinton County Board meeting. Riechman and others humbly requested that Clinton County becomes a Purple Heart County.
Knolhoff read the proclamation that stated the board holds the men and women who have selflessly served our nation in the United States Armed Forces in the highest regard and extended its deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration still in use awarded to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, who have been wounded or killed in action against an enemy in the United States.
The Purple Heart is dedicated to preserving the legacy and honoring those who have been wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation. The proclamation stated that Clinton County realizes and deeply values the courage, patriotism and sacrifice of its Purple Heart recipients and all veterans who have served honorably. Clinton County's designation as a Purple Heart County will serve as a lasting and visible reminder of the sacrifices made by the service members and further demonstrates the county's commitment to honoring and supporting veterans and their families.
Clinton County to salute Honor Flight veterans with Aug. 31 parade
Clinton County communities will have the opportunity to come together later this month to give local veterans a send-off worthy of their service.
Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute Museum in Bartelso is coordinating a special Honor Flight Celebration on Monday, Aug. 31, recognizing local veterans who have participated in an Honor Flight during 2026, as well as those preparing to depart the following day on the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.
The celebration will begin at 11 a.m. at Standin’ Proud and will include guest speakers, tribute videos and a recognition ceremony before the veterans and their guardians depart on a parade route through Clinton County.
Organizers are inviting local schools, families and community members to line the route and help create a memorable show of appreciation for the veterans.
Those attending are encouraged to wave American flags, display patriotic signs and bring plenty of smiles and cheers as the veterans make their way through the county.
The parade is expected to depart Standin’ Proud Veterans Tribute Museum (1507 Carlyle Road, Bartelso) at approximately 12:45 p.m. and travel east on Illinois Route 161 before heading north on Slant Road and then west on Old Route 50.
The procession will then travel to Carlyle at approximately 1 p.m. before continuing through Beckemeyer, Breese and Aviston. It is expected to reach Trenton at approximately 1:45 p.m. and will conclude at the intersection of Old Route 50 and Route 160 in Trenton.
The following morning, Tuesday, Sept. 1, the local veterans and their guardians will report early to Springfield to participate in Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Mission #78.
The flight will carry approximately 90 veterans to Washington, D.C., for a day dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifice. The flight will carry five veterans from the Korean War era and 87 veterans from the Vietnam War era.
While in the nation’s capital, the veterans are scheduled to visit the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, as well as other additional stops.
Larry’s West End makes in a three-peat with 27-22 win
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- Written by: Jeremy Chawgo - Breese Journal Sports Editor
The Clinton County League postseason has been dominated by Larry’s West End in Bartelso for the past nine seasons.
Larry’s won the 2026 postseason title with a 27-22 win over the County Outlaws on Sunday at the Lake Park in Germantown.
The victors got off to a fine start with two runs in the bottom of the first inning when Kedan Lemon and Blake Haag each reached base and scored to tie the contest at 2-2.
They added four more runs in the bottom of the second inning on hits from Drew Hesker, Aaron Fuehne, Garrick Winkeler and Lemon as they led 6-4 after two innings of action.
Larry’s got three more runs in the third inning when Chad Klein, Dave Gebke and Hesker all reached base and scored in the frame. Larry’s led 9-5 entering the fourth inning.
The County put up four runs in the top of the fourth inning to tie the game at 9-9. Greg Meyer led off with a single before Tanner Hudson doubled. Kyle Eversgerd singled in a run. Brandon Bartels added a three-run shot to end the rally.
Larry’s went back on the offensive. Lemon, Haag and Kyle Floyd each reached before the first out. Tony Schaeffer, Gebke and Hesker each reached in a six-run inning to post Larry’s out to a 15-9 cushion.
The County rattled back in comeback fashion with three runs in the top of the fifth inning to get within 15-12. Cole Schrage had a three-run homer in the inning.
Cory Arentsen singled and scored in the bottom of the inning as Larry’s lone run with the home team leading 16-12 entering the sixth frame.
The County got three more runs in the top of the sixth inning to get within 16-15. Hudson singled in front of a Bartels single. Ty Grotefendt followed with a three-run homer of his own to end another rally.
Larry’s got just one run in the bottom of the inning thanks to Schaeffer as they led 17-15 going into the seventh inning.
The County Outlaws erupted for four runs in the top of the seventh inning to take a 19-17 lead over Larry’s entering the bottom of the seventh inning.
Chase Klein singled and Jared Kues doubled to start the frame. Schrage followed with an RBI single before Ritzheimer powered a three-run homer to take a brief lead.
Larry’s tied the contest at 19-19 when Winkeler and Nolan Haake each reached and scored before the inning ended with Larry’s stranding the bases loaded.
After the Outlaws took a 20-19 lead entering the bottom of the eighth inning on a solo homer from Chase Klein, Larry’s got the train rolling in the bottom of the inning.
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