The Edwardsville Intelligencer from Edwardsville, Illinois • Page 3

Friday, September 17,1976 EDWARDSVILLE I ID INTELLIGENCBR 'sband Murdered, Feels Condemned Mrs. Schmitz 1 Nightmare Still Not Over By Ann Ferguson Of the Intelligencer For 27 year old Linda Schmitz, the nightmare that began a month ago with the news of her husband's death will not soon be over. Mrs. Schmitz is the widow of 32-year-old Norbert Schmitz, a shy, intelligent man with few friends but no known enemies, a compulsive tmkerer with anything electronic, an employe of McDonnell Douglas Aircraft ---and the victim of a brutal slaying discovered August 16 in Eciwarclsville and still unsolved. His body was found in the trunk of his car behind the IliWay Cafe on East Vandnlia Sticet Police are still searching for a motive and an assailant.

As perplexed as police have been is as tormented as Linda has lelt She 1 feels accusations have been pointing at her, and has icccived harassing and obscene phone calls at her home. "People are looking at me like I'm a muideiess," she said For this she blames news- papci references to hei as the "estranged wife" and published icports that she was questioned by Edwaidsville police in connection with the incident She felt condemned without either a indue 01 juiy, and so she telephoned the Intelli- gencer and asked that the story be told. Kei side The late Noilicit and Linda weic a i less than six months ago They met neai- ly two yeais ago in a bar wheie Linda was woikmg. Her husband was a highly- regaided electiomts engineer at McDonnell Douglas, and Linda was an award-winning discotheque danier in Missouri and Illinois. Although diftcrcnt was a genius in electronics but a fumblefmgers in any thing that needed common Mrs.

Linda Schmitz and daughter sense," she said--the couple began to date They weic niarued a year later, and moved to ruial Edwardsville in a spacious, a lanch style home that needed a lot of their attention and time to make it "just right And just about when it was the couple sepaiated. Unresolved problems with the disciplining of Linda's four year old child--based mostly, she thinks, on then competing needs for hci attention--led to their separation. But it was separation," she emphasized. "We weren't fighting--we were just waiting foi things to work out," she said Noibcrt moved fust to a St. Louis hotel and then to the Edwardsvillc Holiday Inn.

Ho visited Linda two or three times a week, she would often launder Ins clothes for him. On the night of Wednesday, August 11, he stopped by again. The couple talked seriously getting back together, and they began to make plans for reuniting, she said. She gave him a plastic bag to return his laundry to her. On Friday, McDonnell Douglas supervisors called to inquire where Norbert was.

He had not cpme to work nor reported in ill, a move untypical to the engineer whose work "was my only competition," Linda said. On Friday, she filed a missing persons report with the Madison County Sheriff's Department. On Sunday, she was called to identify a partially decomposed body, found in a car trunk by Edwardsville police and believed, to be her husband. The sight sickened for four days Over his head was the plastic bag she had given him for his laundry. On the day of the funeral, Mrs.

Schmitz collapsed in the funeral home and was admitted to St. Eluabeth's Hospital in Granite City for treatment of nervous exhaustion. There she stayed for 11 days, until a need to "get away" led to a California visit with her sister. "It was like leaving a dirty house but knowing you have to come back to it," she said. Coming back for her meant answering harassing phone calls, contending with unpaid bills and the need to find a job And the haunting fears 'imd suspicions of what led to her husband's death.

There is little that Linda Schmitz can do to forget the nightmare of her husband's death, but there is less that the unknowing and accusing conclusions can do to lessen that ordeal. "We are not going to be run out ol here. This is our home," Linda said. "You'll get yours," one unidentified woman told her on the telephone last week. "Believe me," Linda said on Friday, "I've already had mine." Centralia Desegregation Plan Cited IOE Penalizing School Boards: Bakalis Centt alia A The Illinois Office of Education is penalizing the total school board instead of positively helping it desegregate its schools, a foiraei state education duector claims Michael Bakalis, campaigning here Thursday toi slate comptiollei, commented on state iejection ot Cenlialia's descgiegation plan i week "I am disturbed ly the fact that a community attempted in good faith and made good pio- gress in desegregating its schools and is now having its hands slapped by the a rather than being i whatcvei positive help to go even huthei in its efforts," said Bakalis His successor, Dr Joseph M.

Cronin, told the local hoaid this week that Centralia's a "contains no piovision tor the desegregation ot the Lincoln Elementary School The state said Lincoln has f2 per cent minority enrollment 2 pel cent more than allowed by Illinois guidelines It was duimg Bakulis' tcmnc that Centralia's plan was approved by the state board Dormitory Builders Sued by Trustees Macomb, III. (AP) The Board of Govcrnois of State Collges and Univeisities has sued the aichitects and builder of four Wcstcin Illinois University doimitoncs to iccover almost $1 4 million spent to repair cxtci tor walls in 1975. The board contends that faulty design and construction of Higgs, Tanner, Thompson Senior Schedule Here is the schedule of activities next week at the Edwards- vilie Senior Center, 1003 N. Main St. Sunday: Card games, 3 to 6p.m.

Monday: Noon lunch, beef stew. Tuesday: Noon lunch, oven- fried chicken; series of games with prizes and refreshments, 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday: Noon lunch, goklash; Rules of the Road review, 1 p.m. Thursday Knitting, crochet and embroidery, 9 30 a.m noon lunch, chili dog; Rules of the Road review, 1 p.m.; square dancing lessons, 7 p.m. Friday: Bridge, 9:30 a.m.; noon lunch, pork chops; Rules of the Road review, 1 p.m Senior citizens should call the center at 656-0300 a day in advance to make lunch reservations.

and halls led to extensive wind damage on Jan. 11 1975, when some tin tain walls, metal slabs which seivo as corner joists, broke loose fiom the sides of the buildings Richmond Industrialist Heads State Chamber Chicago (AP) Amos E. Buettell of Richmond, piesldent of Crown Industrial Products was elected chaiiman of the board ol the Illinois State Chamber ol Commeice today. lie succeeds George Ti imble of Oak Brook, as head of the I 9 0 0 0 I) Perennial Candidate Don DuMont Dies Chicago (AP) Don DuMont, a businessman- tin ned-evangclist who i an loi a vai icly of political otCiees "lor God's ulory," is dead at 73 DuMont died Wednesday night of cancer in his home Known as Chicago's Good Humoi man, DuMont had bcon an independent candidate for picsidcnt, se a I i governor and mayor of Chicago. DuMont entered politics in Wi5 when he sot out to win election as akleiman of the Sblh ward lie leceived votes that contest.

His next political foray was in when he ran against Sen Chailes H. Percy, R-I11 the June a i lor the Senate, but tailed to get his name on the ballot Republican nomination for president, twite tailing to win any support from the parly eithci time. Grandmother Dies In Rescue of Kids Peotone (AP) Norm a Rankin ot Peotone died as she tried to wain her two grandchildren to get out of the path of an Amtruk tram. Police said Mis Rankin, 60, was walking with the two young children near crossing Thursday In Peotone when the satcty gates cume down. The children darted under gates, and in an effort to get the children across the tracks safely, Mrs Rankin was stiuck by the train.

0 Illinois scene Michael Bakalis Dr. Joseph Cronin calendar markets East St. Louis Livestock Hogs 4,500 head. Butcheis 5075 higher. Sows steady to 50 higher.

US t-a butchers 200-250 Ib. 40.75-41.00, US 1-3 sows 300-600 Ib, 32 0033.00. Cattle 150 head. Supply mostly cows. Insufficient volume for market tests.

FRIDAY Community Events 7 p.m Lewis and Clark Community College, Godtrcy. Sports Events --High school football: Edwardsville at Danville, 7:30 p.m. --High school football: Vandalia at Highland --High school football: Litchfield at Staunton SATURDAY Community Events --Madison County Historical Museum, open 1-5 p.m,, 715 N. Main St. --Alcoholics Anonymous and AL-ANON, open meeting, 8 Drivers Cited For Infractions The following persons were charged with traffic violations by Edwardsville police on Thursday or early today: Robert W.

Konemiller of Moro, improper operation of motor vehicle; Doris of Dorsey, speeding; John G. Bower of 221 First speeding; and Patricia A. Tajlley of South Roxana, speeding. The Well, Cottonwood Road Sports --Junior college soceert Lewis and Clark at Harris College --High school soccer: St. Lawrence Brother Rice (Chicago) and Alton at Edwardsville, 10 a.m.

--High school golf: Edwardsville Invitational Tournament at Oak Brook, 10a.m. --High school junior varsity football: Granite City North at Edwardsville, 10 a.m. I Violin Stolen, Police Report A half-sized boys light brown violin, tools, cassette tape player and cassette tapes, all valued at more than $453, wero taken from the auto of Donald E. Prewitt of the Tourist Haven Restaurant of Hamel sometime last week, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Department. Deputies believe entry was gained to the auto through a window sealed with tape.

Teacher Course Receives Granf A $145,017 grant has been awarded to Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville by the U.S. Office of Education for the continuation of a two- year teacher development program. The teaclicr development program was established last fall by the SIU-E School of Education in conjunction with Madison Community School District No. 12. The school district will receive $90,000 from the U.S.

Office of Education for its portion of program support. The project was established to retrain teachers, with an emphasis on individualization of instruction for both the teachers involved-and for the children of the Madson district, according to James M. Comer, associate professor of elementary education at SIU-E and project director. When the project began last year, it was the first teacher retraining project in Southwestern Illinois, Comer said, The program provides oil-site instruction for four SIU-E School of Education teacher interns. Gospel Lectures Set at Church Jack F.

Paul, minister, lecturer, and businessman, is coming to the Church of Christ at 1400 Troy Road, Collinsville- Troy to conduct a series of gospel lectures. The series will run from September 19th through the 23rd. Mr Paul will be lecturing at the regular Sunday services, Bible Study, 9:30 a.m Sunday worship, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Services Monday through Thursday will be conducted at 7:30 Mr.

Paul is a native of Amarillo, Texas, now living in Tyler, Texas, where he is the president of Bcntum Hoist Co. Prior to moving to Tyler as a businessman he served churches in Sherman, Texas, Dallas, Overland Park, Kansas, and Tyler as both Youth minister and regular minister. He has written for several publications. As a businessman, he holds two successful patents involved with garbage collection systems. As a speaker he is the winner of the DeJarrett Oratorical contest, East Texas State University, received the Certificate of Merit from General Dale Q.

Smith, 1960; and received a voice scholarship, East Texas State University. He is well-qualified as a speaker, The public is invited to all of these services, Births, Deaths Marriages Down Births, deaths and marriages in Madison County in August all down compared to' August of 1975, according to figures released by the office of County Clerk Evelyn Bowles, August figures were: births, 277; deaths, 143; and marriages, 279 In August, 1975, the figures werei births, 280; deaths, 156) and marriages, 326. Gettmg Ready The first day of classes Is not far off, now, and Cletus Grebel, left, carpenter at Southern Illinois University at Edwards- ville, and Charles Cook, of Collinsville, were found recently moving new furniture into new- ly opened classroom buildings on the university campus, SIU-E Photo) THE OS Group Help Widows, Widowers to Meet The September meeting of THEOS (They Help Each Other Spiritually), a group for widows and widowers, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Well, Cottonwood community center, on Cottonwood Road, Glen Carbon. The group is non-denominational, and is open to all widowed persons in the area, according to Dorecn Wallace, a member.

The group is intended to help persons seeking help and support as they face widowhood. Persons wanting more information may call the Rev. James H. Mennerick at The Well, 288-5590. Wood River to Hold Bicentennial Bikeathon The Wood River Bicentennial Commission will sponsor a bikeathon from 10 a.m.

to 1 p.m Oct 2. The 15-mile bike route will begin at the Round House in Central Park. Riders will earn money through sponsor pledges, and proceeds will go toward paying for Wood River's Bicentennial Fountain at the new City Hall, Wood River and Lorena avenues. The fountain was dedicated and turned on July 4, according to MM. Jeanette Major of the fountain finance Stars and Stripes Forever Edna Esom, left, and Dorothy Gannon, members of the Merrymakers Senior Citizens Band of Edwardsville, wave flags during a song at the Sen- ior Citizens Fall Fair held last week at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

(SIU-E Photo) mittee. The committee so far has raised $8,715, and hopes the bikeathon will allow the committee to reach its $10,000 goal. Prizes will be awarded to the riders who bring in the most pledges. Sponsor sheets are available at the First National Bank of Wood River and Wood River Bowling Alley. Audubon Society Sets Bird Meeting A slide-illustrated presentation on "home landscaping for birds" will be given at 7 30 p.m.

Monday in the First Federal Savings and Loan Building, 300 St Louis St Paul Owens, superintendent of grounds at Southern Illinois University, will give the talk. The public is invited to the presentation, being sponsored by the Southwest Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society. WW Hosts Baby Shower A babv shower for expectant mothers, sponsored by the Edwardsville Welcome Wagon, was held Tuesday evening at the Holiday Inn at Edwardsville. Dona Recklein, the group's local baby hostess, assisted by Mary Schwartz and Debbie Schwartz, entertained 30 guests. Mrs.

Judy Hyten, YMCA instructor, demonstrated pregnancy exercises. Mrs. Joyce Gotsch, leader of the local La Leche League, answered questions for nursing mothers. D.A.R. Year's Activities The first meeting of the 197877 year for the Daughters of the American Revolution was held at 6 30 p.m.

Sept. 14 at the home of Mrs. Harris Blixen. Mrs. Bhxen presented a review of the historical tour of Edwardsville brochure which was published by the group earlier in the year.

Mrs. Jo O'Neil reviewed the resolutions accepted at the Continental Congress in Washington, D.C. earlier in the year. of Isabella Schedule Meeting The Daughters of Isabella scheduled a combined business-social meeting for 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus hall.

Planetarium to Spenser Programs for Saturday morning astronomy and space science programs for kindergarten, elementary, and high school students begin on Oct. 2 at the McDonnell Planetarium In Forest Park, St. Louis. The five-week program Includes a session for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts wanting to earn astronomy merit badges, according to Mrs. Georgia L.

Buckowlti, St. Louis director of parks, recreation, and forestry. There are five courses In the program: Stars and Chambers (3rd and 4th grades) at 11-30 a Once Around the Universe (5th and 6th grades) at 9 a Night i (for scouts) at 12:30 p.m.; Universe at Large (7th through llth grades) it 10 a.m., and Neighbors in the Sky (kindergarten through 2nd grades) at 11 a.m. A fee of $5 is charged for each course. Students may register from 8 45 a.m.

to 12:30 p.m Oct. 2 at the Planetarium For more information and a free course catalog, call (314) 535-5810. Thundtrblrd Infantry Division Plant Reunion Former members of the 45th Infantry "Thunderbird" Division, which in World War II and the Korean conflict, will gather in Oklahoma City, for their annual reunion Sept. 24 to 26. Highlight of the reunion will be the opening and dedication of a museum of the "citueii soldier," A history of the Thunderbird Division will bo included.

Persons wanting more information may write to the National Secretary, 45th Infantry Division, 3501 Military Circle, NE, Oklahoma City, 73111. Columbus School PTA to Meet Monday The Columbus School Parent- Teacher Association will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the media center of the intermediate building. The progi am will be "Students Introduce Their Teachers," with comments by Principal John Novotny. Junior Girl Scout Troop 900, under leader Paralea Russell, will conduct the flag ceremony.

Linda Glasgow's Teens and Tweens 4-H Club will provide baby sitting in the gym. Refreshments will be served the cafeteria after the meeting. PTA President Nora Meyer reminds parents that the meetings will be held at 7 p.m. this year. NFWSPAPFR! History Group Slates Meeting "The Restoration ot Historic Houses" is the theme for the annual fall meeting of the Madison County Historical Society, to be held at 2:30 p.m.

Sunday In the Immanuel Methodist Church, SOON. Main St. the subject will be St. Louis architect and preservationist Gerhardt Kramer, who the executive director and past president of Landmark! Association of St. Louis, Inc.

The public is invited to attend the meeting. Refreshments will be served after 4 p.m at the Madison County Historical Museum, 715 N. Main St..