Special thanks to the St. Louis media who decided that last Monday (it must have been a slow news day), they would make major news of the informational community meeting conducted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on the Timber Rattlesnake. Approximately 50 people packed the meeting room at the Emergency Services Building to hear the presentation by state conservation officers. This was a repeat of the same program which was presented three years ago in the Village. Scott Ballard, State Nature Biologist, told those in attendance that the rattlesnake was not to be feared. If an encounter should occur, he suggested that you go in the house to have a glass of iced tea (or something stronger if you desire). By the time you finish your drink and go outside, the snake would have moved on (probably to your neighbor’s yard). The other option is to call one of the nine people listed in the letter sent to you who have been trained and have agreed to act as "snake removers". To close the presentation, Ballard introduced several live specimens including a Great Plains Rat Snake, a Coachwhip and several Timber Rattlers. Also included was a dead frozen specimen of a Copperhead. As was indicated at the meeting, encounters with the rattler have diminished since we came to the hill. There were only two documented sightings of the Timber Rattlesnake during year 2000. There is the possibility that someone could encounter a rattlesnake on their property. THERE IS ALSO THE POSSIBILITY THAT SOMEONE COULD BE STRUCK BY A DEER FALLING FROM THE SKY, OR THAT SOMEONE COULD BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING WHILE TENDING THEIR CATTLE. BOTH OF THOSE HAPPENED WITHIN A 24-HOUR PERIOD WITHIN A 20-MILE RADIUS LAST WEEKEND. CONTRARY TO REPORTS BY KMOV (CHANNEL 4 TELEVISION) FOLLOWING THE MONDAY NIGHT MEETING - - - VALMEYER IS NOT INFESTED WITH RATTLESNAKES. The informational meeting was requested by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the hope that they could save the lives of several rattlesnakes by convincing residents that an encounter with one of these reptiles does not have to be a deadly one for the snake. It was not to alarm residents by informing them that they had built their homes on top of rattlesnake dens, and their backyards would look like something out of an Indiana Jones movie.

Monday, March 5 – Pulaski Day – NO SCHOOL.
Tuesday, March 6 – Junior High Volleyball against Marissa at HOME.
Wednesday, March 7 – B.O.S.S. Meeting at 7:30.
Thursday, March 8 – Leslie Hoffmann & Sara Kendall will be performing with the All-State Chorus for Music Education Day at the State Capitol.
Thursday, March 8 – Junior High Volleyball at New Athens.
Saturday, March 10 – Junior High Volleyball at Gibault Tournament.

VALMEYER KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION - - - The Valmeyer School District will hold its annual Kindergarten Registration on March 14^th from Noon to 7:00 p.m. Call 935-2100 for an appointment. REMEMBER – APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION.

Congratulations to the Valmeyer FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team for placing second in the Illinois FFA Parliamentary Procedure Contest. Jessica Hirsch was the first place chairman, Stephanie Huffmann was the sixth place secretary, Sara Kendall was the second place floor member and Shannon Melliere was fifth place floor member. Jacob Vogt and David Riechmann also participated on the team. Ian Mueller and Amanda Marquardt were alternate members.

POSTAL NEWS – CLEARANCE SALES – Whether your interest is Daffy Duck or Santa Claus – you’ll find it at the Valmeyer branch of the U. S. Post Office - - - and you’ll find it at 50% off normal retail prices. All postal retail products are 50% off regular price. All package products are – BUY ONE AND GET ONE FREE!! Don’t miss this colossal sale.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – St. John UCC Valmeyer Fish Fry – March 16 with serving from 3:30 to 7:30. Serving cod and riverfish with carryouts available.

Last day to register to vote for the April Consolidated election is Tuesday, March 6 – contact the County Clerk’s office.

Congratulations to David Riechmann, who has advanced through the High School Class A 3-point shot competition. David will be travelling to Peoria on Thursday to participate in the state finals sponsored by Country Companies. The winner of the Class A competition will then move on to face the winner of the Class AA 3-point competition for "King of the Hill" bragging rights. Good Luck to David!

Visit the school’s web site for school news plus current and past editions of the Original Voice of Valmeyer . . . . . . www.valmeyerk12.org and click on Community Links.

  SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!