Bulldog strong - Over 400 rally for Dash after storm
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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Participants take off at the start of the Bulldog Dash at Schoen-dienst Park. 
Kyler Ribbing was the winner of the 5K race during the Bulldog Dash.There was an increased amount of participation in the annual Bulldog Dash at Schoendienst Park in Germantown on Friday, May 1.
There were a combined 400 runners in the 5K and 2K races. That is up a little bit from last year.
With the increased participation also came a lot of money raised from the event. Organizers still don't have a final number of monies raised from the event, but currently they are over $33,000.
The money donated goes straight back to the kids and classrooms at Germantown Elementary School. Technology is always changing and upgrading and the funds raised help Germantown Elementary to stay up to speed with the upgrades needed year and year.
"The businesses and families that show up year after year to support the Bulldog Dash is always heartwarming," organizer Michelle Winkeler said.
Carl Beer took second place in the 5K race at the Bulldog Dash.
Winkeler said they have a great Bulldog Dash committee, and everyone takes ownership in their responsibilities and steps in if help is needed. That is the reason the event runs so smoothly year after year.
"I truly appreciate the moms that make up this committee," Winkeler said.
Cassie Barr, who has children at Germantown Elementary School and is a partner with UBGreensfelder, was the diamond sponsor this year. She has supported the Bulldog Dash for years and this year stepped up to be the big sponsor.
"We appreciate her continued support along with the many other businesses that support us year after year," Winkeler said.
The status of this year's Bulldog Dash was in question after a tornado came through Germantown on Monday, April 27, and caused damage at Schoendienst Park. Winkeler said the Tuesday morning after the tornado, she didn't even think about the Bulldog Dash as everyone was so involved with helping the school and areas of damage. She said Germantown has a great community that steps up in the time of need and they didn't even have to worry about not being ready for the Bulldog Dash.
The Bulldog Dash has turned into a family fun run. They still have a timer so kids can time their run, but parents and grandparents walk with their kids and grandkids.
Bulldog Dash finish line!
The Kernel Nut Club grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Excel Bottling and Donnewald Distributing provided soft drinks. Slots and Scoops gave each child who signed up a free ice cream cone.
Poettker Construction employees signed up as a team-building event.
"We love the support these businesses give for these kids," Winkeler said. "The committee thanks everyone who supported the Bulldog Dash this year. It is everyone's support that makes this event such a fun, family friendly celebration."
Germantown student Kyler Ribbing defended his 5K championship, winning the race in a time of 19:29.
Carl Beer was runner-up and Chris Hemker was third. 
Members of the Bulldog Dash committee pose for a photo with diamond sponsor Cassie Barr, a partner with UBGreensfelder.
Friends of Carlyle Lake sponsoring two cycling events
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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
The Friends of Carlyle Lake organization will have two upcoming events to help the community get out and enjoy the outdoors.
The Friends of Carlyle Lake is sponsoring The Great Bottlecap Bike Race and the Carlyle Lake Cycling Challenge.
The Great Bottlecap Bike Race is 9 a.m. on June 6. The event is for ages 10 and above, and registration deadline is May 21.
The bottlecap race is a hunt on bikes to find and collect 10 bottlecaps by accomplishing challenges. It will start and end at the Carlyle Lake Visitor Center.
Participants are given clues to create their own course throughout Carlyle Lake and the city of Carlyle to get through 10 checkpoint challenges in a race and complete in under three hours.
"It is a race against time, it is not a race against individuals," said Kim Hamil, Friends of Carlyle Lake president.
Participants are given a sheet of addresses and they have to go to each of those addresses and do a fun challenge.
Participants who get back in time with all 10 bottlecaps will receive a six pack of assorted Excel bottled soda, a shirt, and will have a chance to win more prizes.
Electric bikes are allowed in both events.
"It's just a fun little ride around town, and it benefits the Friends of Carlyle Lake," Hamil said.
Hamil has ridden in a bottlecap race before in St. Louis to benefit a private college. They rode all over St. Louis from Broadway to The Muny.
"It was so much fun, I just thought that we could do that here with Excel Bottling," Hamil said.
During the cycling challenge, riders are encouraged to go at their own pace from now through Oct. 31, and can choose a goal of 250 miles, 500 miles or 500-plus miles.
Riders can explore Carlyle Lake and the surrounding area during the journey. Participants from outside of Clinton County are welcome, but all are encouraged to enjoy and support local routes whenever possible.
Riders will log their miles by downloading the Challenge Hound App.
All proceeds from the challenge will support education programs and events funded by Friends of Carlyle Lake. Those participating will receive a shirt and sticker.
Hamil got the idea for the bike challenge from Lake Shelbyville. She did the bike challenge at Lake Shelbyville last year.
"It is non-competitive and you get to manually enter your mileage," Hamil said.
Participants can ride anywhere.
"This is just to get everybody outdoors, stay fit, and enjoy the summertime," Hamil said.
Cost for both the Great Bottlecap Bike Race and the cycling challenge is $35. They are both individual events, but participants can ride with a group of friends.
Registration information for both events is available on the Friends of Carlyle Lake Facebook page.
Hamil said the Friends of Carlyle Lake organization has been going well. They had a booth at Enjoy the Outdoors at Carlyle Lake. They have another program coming up at Case-Halstead Public Library.
The Friends of Carlyle Lake work in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Carlyle Lake Project to foster environmental stewardship and enhance overall visitor experience through educational, interpretive services.
They seek to develop educational materials and experiences for public enjoyment. An example of that is a new informative panel to be placed in the General Dean Recreation Area for the community to utilize during the height of bald eagle season.
Also on the Friends of Carlyle Lake board with Hamil are vice president Cheri Mansfield, secretary Kris Lowe, treasurer Mike Hilmes, and directors Lori Jansen and Peggy Hilmes.
The Great Bottlecap Race is sponsored by Excel, The Cyclery and Fitness Center, Constitution Bank, River Entertainment, The Sign Shop, Kingdom Financial, Oh So Sweet Bakery and Carlyle Animal Hospital.
Coping 4 Life reaches schools, launches dine out
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- Written by: Kelly Jo Ross - Breese Journal News Editor
A student’s illustration of “Mapping My Heart.” 'Dine Out for Charity' from May 9-15 to support Coping 4 Life
As Mental Health Awareness Month is observed in May, Coping 4 Life is expanding its efforts to support local residents through education, outreach and fundraising events.
Based in Breese, Coping 4 Life was formed with the mission to eliminate the barriers that limit the people of Clinton County from getting the mental health support services and resources they need to cope with life’s challenges.
The organization was founded by Dr. Kris Fulkerson and Beth Ricciardi and has served the community for the past 10 years.
This week, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Coping 4 Life is visiting schools throughout Clinton County to share its message, “More Good Days Together,” with students. The program focuses on helping young people understand their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, build resilience and strengthen relationships.
“We believe coping is not about avoiding hard things — it’s about learning how to face them with the right tools,” Ricciardi said. “We equip people with coping skills they can carry with them for life.”
So far, Coping 4 Life has visited Wesclin Middle School and Bartelso Elementary, and plans to visit schools at Germantown, Breese, Albers, Damiansville, St. Rose, Aviston and All Saints Academy.
As part of the initiative, the organization is using art therapy to engage students. Coping 4 Life has partnered with Horizon Line Art Studio to introduce creative activities designed to help students process emotions and identify personal strengths.
One activity, called “Mapping My Heart,” encourages students to reflect on what is most important in their lives — including people, places, talents and personal traits — and to identify coping strategies that help them manage difficult moments. Students then represent these ideas visually using color and design.
Ricciardi said the project helps students build a “coping toolbox” they can rely on during challenging times.
“We can’t protect our kids from the challenges of life, but we can equip them with the tools they need to handle what comes their way,” she said.
In addition to its school outreach, Coping 4 Life is hosting a “Dine Out for Charity” fundraiser from May 9 through May 15. Participating local businesses will donate a portion of their proceeds to support mental health services in the community.
Participating locations include:
•Joe's Pizza in Breese — will donate 5% of sales to Coping 4 Life, beginning this Saturday, May 9 through Friday, May 15. Joe's Pizza is closed on Mondays.
•Dairy King in Trenton and Breese — will donate 10% of sales (with presenting coupon) to Coping 4 Life, beginning next Monday, May 11, through Friday, May 15.
•Olde City Cafe in Breese — will donate 10% of sales to Coping 4 Life on Wednesday, May 13 (at both coffee and bar sides at the cafe).
•GridIron Grill in Breese — will donate 15% of sales to Coping 4 Life on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14.
•Slots & Scoops in Germantown — will donate 20% of sales to Coping 4 Life on Thursday, May 14.
Funds raised will help expand access to counseling and support services across the area.
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