Ray A. Gerdes, 72, of New Haven, MO, passed away Monday, July 1, 2019 at Mercy Hospital, Washington, Missouri. 
Ray was born in St. Louis, Missouri on June 24, 1947, a son of the late Adolph & Nelda (Althage) Gerdes.
He was the husband of Connie (Meyer) Gerdes.  They were united in marriage on October 11, 1969, at Ebenezer Stone Church, Gerald, MO. 
Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1966-1968.  He was a member of Ebenezer Stone Church, Gerald, where he served as Board President and was also on the board for the church cemetery.  He was also a member of the Local 513 Operating Engineers for 30 years, the New Haven American Legion, New Haven German American Club, New Haven Cemetery advisory member, and he was on the M.F.A. Board of Directors.
He worked for many years for Arrow Drilling, of Pacific, Missouri.  After retirement Ray had a gravel hauling business and was happy delivering gravel to many in the area.   
Ray was a proud father and grandfather and was happiest spending time with his family.  He loved going on trips to Germany, cruising with friends, fishing, deer hunting, and he made some of the best deer sausage around.
Ray is survived by his wife Connie Gerdes, of the home, a son, Eric Gerdes & special friend Sherry Byram, of Gerald, Missouri; a daughter, Julie Westermeyer & husband Todd, of New Haven, Missouri; a son, Doug Gerdes & wife Michelle, of New Haven, Missouri; by five grandchildren, Dalton Gerdes, Emma & Jacob Gerdes, and Ellie and Ryan Westermeyer, by his twin brother, Roy Gerdes & wife Janeial, of New Haven; three sisters-in-law, Diane Gerdes, of New Haven; Carol Meyer & husband Jim, of Rosebud, Missouri; and Peggy Borcherding & husband Bob, of Gerald; and by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 5th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Ebenezer Stone Church, Gerald, Missouri, with Pastor Glen Hollander officiating.
Burial will be in Ebenezer Stone Church Cemetery.   Memorials may be given to Ebenezer Stone Church.  C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.

      On April 23, 2019, the New Haven School District's Preschool Program (NHMPP) achieved recognition of excellence through Missouri Accreditation.  This distinguishes it as an exemplary program offering high quality programming to the children of Missouri.  

       The Missouri Accreditation of Programs for Children and Youth has awarded a Certificate of Accreditation to NHMPP.  This certificate is granted to quality programs that offer developmentally appropriate experiences in an environment conducive to children flourishing intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.  

      NHMPP will be included in the "Directory of Accredited Programs" located on the Missouri Accreditation website if the program selected that option.  This directory, which serves as a useful guide to parents seeking a high quality program for their children, may be reached at www.moaccreditation.org.

      The community of New Haven, Missouri is fortunate to have a program such as NHMPP available to serve its families.

​For the tenth year in a row, the East Central College Athletic Department has received the prestigious Harold Oetting All-Academic Award by the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC).
 
“This is unprecedented by any community college in Missouri,” said Dr. Jay Mehrhoff, athletic director. “Our student athletes in women’s volleyball and softball, as well as men’s soccer, had a combined 3.099 GPA last academic year. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication.”
 
The award was first established in 1995 as an All-Sports Award - with academics as one component. In 2003-04, the award was renamed to honor longtime conference president Harold Oetting, who retired as athletic director at Jefferson College in 2003. The award is now based on overall athletic department academic achievement.
 
“Many of the student athletes continue their athletic careers at the four-year level. While many receive athletic scholarship money, a much higher percentage receive academic scholarships. The formula for success starts with recruiting quality student athletes,” added Dr. Mehrhoff.
 
Dr. Mehrhoff believes the key is setting the tone early. From the beginning, his staff and coaches emphasize the importance of academic performance and give the students the resources they need to thrive.
 

​On June 20th, 2019, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Multi-County Violent Crimes and Narcotics Unit and surrounding agencies worked together to arrest subjects wanted for burglary, stealing, possession of illegal drugs and other outstanding warrants.  The efforts led to the following arrests:  
 
Joseph Nester a 22 year old from the St. Clair area for an outstanding warrant for Felony Burglary 1st with a bond of $10,000.00.
Mark Ligue a 31 year old from the Union area for Felony Domestic Assault 3rd with a bond of $50,000.00.
Kenneth Willard a 44 year old from St. Clair for two (2) Felony Domestic Assault 3rd with a total bond of $10,500.00, Domestic Assault 4th with a bond of $500.00, Driving while revoked with a bond of $500.00, 2 counts of Possession of
controlled substance with a bond of $10,000.00 each, 2 additional warrants for possession of a controlled substance with a bond of $1,000.00 for a total bond at $32,500.00.
Brandon Ryan a 30 year old from the Sullivan area for Probation Violation warrant for possession of controlled substance and a weapon related offense with a no bond warrant.
 
There were also 4 persons arrested for misdemeanor charges that were at located during the operation and who happened to be present at targeted locations.  This investigation also led to seizure of illegal substances and additional charges for resisting arrest which are still under investigation at this time. 
 
This operation is part of an aggressive stance our office is taking on drugs,  violent crime, property crime and those individuals in Franklin County that are fostering an unsafe environment for citizens.
 
All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.  
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

Andrew Michael Pointer, 33, of Union, MO, passed away Friday, June 14, 2019 at his home. 
Andrew was born in Washington, Missouri on November 6, 1985, a son of the Michael & Cynthia K. (Unger) Pointer, who both survive in New Haven.
Andrew is also survived by his wife, Starleena (Elfrink) Pointer, of Union, Missouri, his two children, Ava Marie & Mason Andrew Pointer, both of the home; by two uncles, Lowell & Loren Unger; by two aunts, Sheila Martin & Mona Unger; and by his grandmother, Hope Unger.  He is preceded in death by his sister, Kayla Ann Pointer, by his grandparents, Maurice Unger, and Marvin & Nellie Pointer, and by three uncles, Dan, Michael, and Timothy Unger.
Andrew enjoyed deer & turkey hunting.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 20th from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven.
Memorials may be given to families choice.   C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.

On 6-12-2019, deputies responded to Mercy Hospital in Washington in reference to an assault victim located in the emergency room.  Upon arrival, deputies met with the female victim who explained she had been assaulted by her boyfriend.  The victim stated she had been choked, hit in the back of her head, hit in the shoulder with brass knuckles, burnt with a cigarette, and dragged back into the house by her hair while trying to flee.  The victim had injuries which were consistent with her statement.  Deputies made contact with the suspect on 6-13-2019 and questioned him about the allegations.  The suspect was taken into custody.  Charges were applied for with the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and a warrant was issued.  Preston C. Forbus, a 24 year old male from Lonedell, MO, was charges with 2 counts of Domestic Assault 2nd Degree.  His bond was set at $4900, cash or surety. 
 
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

Front Row:  Lindsey Stienbeck, Isabelle Hale, Julia Faris, Grace Faris, Lucy Hoener, Peyton Sumpter, and Casey Baker, 
Second Row:  Jane Pendleton, Abby Seitter, Maria Vedder, Meagan Holtmeyer, Mikayla McFerrin, Natalie Covington, Mackenzie Wilson, and Brenna Langenberg
Back Row:  McKenzie Pecaut, Liz Luecke, Aubri Meyer, Tressa Carver, Hannah Rethemeyer, Ellie Westermeyer, Madison Langenberg, and McKenzie Overschmidt.

Take a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Beginning July 1, deer hunters can apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) website for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzleloading, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities.
The managed deer hunt application period is July 1 - 31. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available Aug. 15 through Jan. 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail.
Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt.
Details about managed hunts can also be found in MDC's "2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information" booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

​Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is a member of ICAC, (Internet Crimes against Children), and participated in the nationwide operation “Broken Heart”. During the two month operation Franklin County Sheriff’s detectives reported that there were a total of 27 cases generated during the reporting period. The breakdown is as follows;

• Child enticement cases
• Obscenity directed towards a minor cases
• Distribution of Child Pornography cases
• Possession of Child Pornography cases
• case referrals (victims identified in other jurisdictions)
• Identification of a child victim

 
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has and will continue to take an aggressive stance to ensure the safety of our children. If you suspect someone may be exploiting a child or if a neighborhood watch group is interested in a social media presentation on ways to safe guard your children  please contact the Sheriff’s Office 636-583-2560.
 
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

​On 6-10-2019, deputies responded to the area of Fawn Lake Subdivision in reference to an unlawful use of a weapon with shots fired.  Upon arrival, the reporting party stated she was swimming in the lake with her children when a white SUV pulled up.  The victim stated she observed the driver, who she was able to identify, step out of the vehicle and fire three rounds from a handgun.  The victim yelled for the subject to leave and he got back into his vehicle and left the area.  Deputies responded to the suspect’s residence and were met by the suspect’s mother who confirmed the suspect was not home.  While deputies were on the scene, the suspect called his mother and ultimately spoke with a deputy on the phone.  The suspect refused to meet with deputies and stated he was not ready to go to jail and abruptly hung up.  A search of the area where the gun was fired was conducted and deputies located three spent 9mm shell casings.
On 6-11-2019, deputies tried making contact with the suspect at his place of employment but were informed he had not shown up for work the past two days.  Deputies responded to the suspect’s residence and made contact with the suspect’s mother.  Consent was given to search her residence and they located the suspect hiding in the bathroom.  The suspect was taken into custody at this time.  Charges were applied for with the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and a warrant was issued, charging Joel S. Christensen, a 22 year old male from Union, with Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Harassment 1st Degree, and Tampering with Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecuting.  His bond was set at $15,000.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The Missouri State High School Activities Association has recognized the following spring sports teams (listed below) from New haven High School for having qualified for their Scholastic Achievement Award.  Note that there are two levels of achievement for this award.  Teams who achieve a combined grade point average of 3.00 to 3.49 are recognized as Distinguished.  Those teams who have a grade point average between 3.50 and 4.00 are recognized as Outstanding. These grade point averages are based on 2nd semester grades.


It should be noted that New Haven High School fielded 18 teams this school year and all 18 qualified for this award, with 7 teams being recognized at the Distinguished level and the other 11 at the Outstanding level.  The varsity girls basketball team had the highest team grade point average at 3.79.


Distinguished
Junior Varsity Baseball     3.17
Junior Varsity Boys Track & Field    3.25
Varsity Boys Track & Field      3.31
Varsity Baseball     3.32
Jr. Varsity Girls Track & Field    3.33

Outstanding
Varsity Girls Track & Field      3.75

​He graduated from the East Central College Culinary Program in 2018, and Nathan Yount is already making a name for himself. Yount spends his days working under award-winning chef Paul Kampff at the St. Louis Country Club. Outside of work, he is an active competitor in culinary competitions.
 
“I love the pressure of the kitchen,” Yount said, “especially a competition kitchen.”
 
When he was selected to participate in the 2019 National Jeune Commis Competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in June, he was taken aback.
 
“It was like nothing I had ever done before. You have to do a three-course meal from a mystery basket that can consist of anything,” he explained, “but every competitor gets the same basket and you get thirty minutes to write out a menu you want to prepare. You then have three and a half hours to cook it.”
 
“The competition is organized by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs organization, which is the oldest food and wine society in the world. It’s a great honor to be selected to compete,” said Chef Mike Palazzola, East Central College culinary program coordinator. “Competitions of this magnitude require the highest standards of culinary skill and execution of dishes.”
 
Yount said he understood what was at stake and used his knowledge from East Central College and his real-world experience to create something impressive and unique. When he got his basket at the competition, he got to work.
 
“I got parsnips, hickory maple syrup, trout, a two pound strip steak, granny smith apples, and hog jowl,” he said. “For my first course I did a hickory glazed trout with celery leaf and apple slaw, sautéed Bok Choy and a lemon buerre blanc.”
 
It only got better from there.
 
“For my second course, I did a roasted strip loin with parsnip puree, glazed carrots and parsnips, a braised potato with a hog jowl ragout and a red wine reduction,” he said. “My dessert was a glazed chocolate Bavarian with an orange sponge cake, a marinated fruit salad, raspberry sauce and strawberry sorbet.”
 
The judges were impressed. He took home first place.
 
“When they called my name, I had a huge feeling of relief,” Yount said. “It was a feeling like ‘this is why you cannot ever give up on yourself. You always have to push through.’ All of my hard work had paid off. When I walked across the stage to accept my award, I felt like a new person.”
 
He’s not done competing yet. Yount will now represent the United States in the International Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition in Calgary, Canada in September. According to its website, it is “a challenging competition that helps the development of the young chefs by showcasing their talents and creativity in an international arena.”
 
“This will be my first time out of the country,” explained Yount. “I’m going to practice every second I get. It is truly the biggest competition of my life.”
 
“Getting to compete in this competition is an incredible accomplishment itself,” said Palazzola. “No one can ever take from you what you learn on a journey like this one. It sticks with you for life.”

Front row - Emmeliah Bates, Taylor Carver, Lydia Payne, Emma Watson, Sammy Fleer, Julie Liggett, and Savana Hudson.  Second row - Allison Brown, Jazmin Weiser, Tori Stringer, Chloe Overschmidt, Avery Langenberg and Lizzy Veal.  3rd row - Madyson Yates, Addison Pehle, Taylor Scheer, Rihanna Bates, Alex Fortner, Lexi Yochim, Alessia Michiosy, and Chloe Cronin.  4th row - Isabella Groner, Sophia Long, Maya Sheible, Claire Hellmann, Bailey Fleer, Katie Holtmeyer, Tatum Scheer, and Lillie Barker

​Over the past three days, area first responders have come together to train at the Union High School. This “Active Killer Training” allows multiple agencies to train, focusing on a unified response, action, triage, and treatment. Multiple scenario situations allow for our First Responders to evaluate their actions. This active shooter training empowers First Responders to anticipate and recognize an active shooter/threat situation and respond appropriately and immediately if they are ever faced with one.
We are very excited and thankful for the agencies that sent personnel to have the opportunity to train with the other disciplines of First Responders. The training that is being provided will apply to a threat in a school setting, work place violence encounter or a faith based organization.
This type of training is so important for our First Responders and communities although we never want a tragedy like this to occur. We refuse to miss an opportunity to train with our first responders, especially when it comes to our children and citizens.
 
We would like to thank the Union High School faculty and staff, The Franklin County Cattlemen‘s Association, Union Kiwanis, Union Rotary, Pepsi-Cola Bottling of New Haven, and the many role player volunteers for making this event possible.
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

​On May 27, 2019 deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Coleena Ct in Villa Ridge for a report of an assault in progress. The reporting party stated she was stabbed by her boyfriend. The male left on foot prior to the deputies’ arrival. When a deputy arrived, he located the female victim outside the residence. Her arm had been bandaged and she indicated her boyfriend stabbed her in the arm with a pocket knife. She also said she was struck with a pistol in the head and struck with rocks by her boyfriend. There was also a visible injury to her head consistent with the report. Other deputies arrived in the area. A deputy transported the female victim to meet with EMS in a safe location as the suspect was still at large and possibly in possession of a firearm. Deputies began searching for the male suspect. A Franklin County Sheriff’s Office K9 and handler were called to the scene to assist. The female was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital where a sheriff’s office detective met with her to continue the investigation.
Deputies responded to a residence on Clay Stone Dr where the suspect and victim were living together in a camping trailer. Evidence of the assault was found at that location, but the suspect was not there. The investigation led deputies to the Daniel Boone Inn on Hwy 100 in Gray Summit. Witness were able to confirm the suspect was inside one of the rooms. Deputies ordered the occupants out of the room. A male and female exited without incident. The suspect was then ordered out with the assistance of the K9. He exited before the K9 was deployed and surrendered without further incident. He was in possession of a knife that had suspected blood on it. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Franklin County Adult Detention Facility for the assault. An arrest warrant was obtained by the sheriff’s office for two counts of Domestic Assault 1st Degree. The suspect is identified as David Lee Whitaker, age 43, from Villa Ridge. Bond was set at $75,000.
 
All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

​On November 24, 2017 deputies were dispatched to the 1200 block of Old County Farm Rd in Union for a report of a violation of a court order. The caller was a petitioner of a Franklin County adult abuse protection order against a family member. She stated her brother-in-law, the respondent, was standing in outside her residence yelling and cussing at her. While deputies were in route, the petitioner called back stating the respondent was in possession of a hatchet and making treats to kill her and her son.
A responding deputy located the respondent on Old County Farm Rd. At the time of contact, the respondent had multiple Franklin County warrants for his arrest. The deputy took him into custody and transported him to the Franklin County Adult Detention Facility. Upon being questioned, the respondent denied the accusations. There was no hatchet in his possession at the time of the arrest.
The deputy followed up the investigation with the petitioner. She stated she has had a history of problems with the respondent that have made her fearful he would someday kill her. At the time of the report she said the respondent was standing under her carport holding a tire iron and yelling. She retreated into her home and called her son for help. Once he arrived, the respondent chased him with a hatched after making treats to kill them. Video surveillance footage showed the respondent was on the petitioner’s property.
On May 27, 2019 another report was received by the sheriff’s office from the petitioner who reported the respondent violated the court order once again by standing in her drive and yelling at her while holding a stick. The responding deputy located the respondent and took him into custody for violating the court order. A warrant was issued on the respondent, identified as Kenneth Edward Haberberger, age 56, from Union for the charges of Harassment 1st degree and Domestic assault 4th degree stemming from the November 2017 complaint. Bond was set at $150,000 cash only.
 
All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff

Elsie Martin, 100, of New Haven, MO, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at New Haven Care Center.
Elsie was born in New York City, New York on June 12, 1918, a daughter of the late Mike & Anna (Busko) Cozmyk.
She was the widow of Lt. Col. John R. Martin.   They were united in marriage on February 9, 1947, in Frankfurt, Germany. John preceded her in death on July 22, 2005.
Elsie proudly served her country in the United States Womens Army Corp. during WWII.  She enjoyed reading and playing bridge and she loved to dance and travel.
Elsie is survived by a daughter, Patricia Anderson & husband Tom, of New Haven, Missouri; by two granddaughters, Heather Leffingwell & husband Tom, of Cape Carteret, North Carolina; and Sara Unnerstall & husband Mike, of Washington, Missouri; by four great grandchildren, Hannah & Ben Gentry, Richard Leffingwell, and Claire Unnerstall, and by a sister Helen Cowart, of Houston, Texas.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter Nancy, and two brothers, Pete Cozmyk, and John Cosmic.
Services and burial will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas at a later date. Memorials may be given to New Haven Care Center or New Haven Hospice.   C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.

​Julia McIntyre, has been honored as New Haven High School’s fifteenth
recipient of the William N. Kelley Family Scholarship from the Class of
2019. Julia is the daughter of Daniel and Jennifer McIntyre of New Haven.
The “William N. Kelley Family Scholarship for Science & Engineering
Scholarship” was established by the William N. Kelley family, Mary, Bill,
Bill, Jr., and Tim, to show their appreciation for the educational opportunities
offered by the New Haven School District and to encourage the future of
science and engineering in America. The scholarship is a $5,500 scholarship
payable over 4 years. Only students planning on majors in engineering,
science, or teaching science or math, are eligible to apply.
Julia was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Scholar Bowl
for two years. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the
Shamrock Conservation Club. She was also a member of the cross country
team and track and field team for 4 years. Julia has earned many honors and
awards throughout high school including being Academic All State all 4 years
in cross country and track and field.
Julia will continue her education at Missouri S & T University pursuing a
degree in Bio-chemistry.

David William Freie, 56, of Berger, MO, passed away Monday, May 20, 2019 at New Haven Care Center.
David was born in Washington, Missouri on August 9, 1962, a son of the late Robert William & Ruth Jean (Pehle) Freie.
David worked for Kellwood Company for many years, which later became Marchem.  He loved old cars and racing.
David is survived by an aunt, Carol Vedder & husband Roger, of New Haven, by cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Annette Freie Mohesky.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 22nd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven, where funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will be at New Haven Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to American Cancer Society or Humane Society.   C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.

New Haven High School senior Martin Lewis is this year's recipient of New Haven High School’s oldest privately endowed scholarship:  the Scheer Memorial Scholarship.

Martin, the son of Carol Burkhardt and Michael Husmann, received the scholarship worth $5,000 at the school's 113th annual commencement exercise last Thursday night. The Scholarship is payable during a four year period.  This is the 29th year for the scholarship honoring the memory of the late Clara and Milford F. Scheer and is funded by the Milford F. Scheer Charitable Trust.

The family owned and operated Scheer Transfer Company, a New Haven based trucking firm until the company ceased operation in 1984.  The firm was in business for nearly 55 years during which time they were active in many civic projects. Clara Scheer died on Dec. 20, 1976, and Milford Scheer died on Dec. 31, 1989.  

Representatives of the trust, along with a committee of faculty and school board members, selected Martin for the award based on academic performance and potential, interest in continuation of his education, character, and leadership.

Martin was a member of the cross country team, basketball, and track team.  He participated in FBLA, National Honor Society, student council, Conservation Club, and Scholar Bowl.  He was also a member of the St. Peter’s United Church Christ Youth Group, helped at the New Haven Food Pantry, and Friendship Plate.

Martin will attend the University of Missouri - Columbia next fall to pursue a degree in Accounting.

​

Joseph Rethemeyer was the recipient of the 12th annual Howard Langenberg Family Scholarship at the 2019 commencement exercises at New Haven High School.  Joseph is the son of Keith and Ruth Rethemeyer of New Haven.


The Langenberg family set up the scholarship fund to give the students at New Haven High school the opportunity to continue their education at a community college, college or university that leads to an academic degree.  The scholarship is worth $5000 and is payable over a four year period.


Joseph was active in: National Honor Society where he held the position of president, the Shamrock Conservation Clug as vice president, FBLA, and he was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  He was a member of the cross country team for 4 years and a member of the Class 1 State Champion Cross Country team in 2017.  Joseph played basketball for 4 years and was on the track and field team for 4 years. He earned many honors and awards throughout high school including the New Have Area Chamber of Commerce Youth Citizen of the Year award he senior year.


Joseph is planning to continue his education at the Missouri S & T University where he plans to pursue a degree in civil engineering.