Legion Tournament planning highlights field upgrades, volunteer stewardship and bird problems at Ronzig Field

Commissioner Jeff Packie reported that preparations for the regional Legion Tournament are under way and that the event will align with the county fair, with teams in town the night of Aug. 5 and games Aug. 6–10.

Jeff said the city replaced batting cages and netting, added a new sign at Ronzig Field, borrowed a bucket truck for overhead work, and installed electrical service for a visitors’ dugout and broadcast location. He said sponsorships are increasing and that the Legion expects out-of-state teams and parents to attend.

Why it matters: the tournament is a large recurring event that draws visitors and requires coordinated park maintenance, volunteer effort and some capital improvements.

Jeff said organizers are seeking additional banner and larger sponsorships and working on an opening ceremony that could include a guest speaker. He named Joe Bueller, a coach with ties to Saint Louis University, and Trent Henderson as volunteers assisting with sponsorships and team coordination.

A long-running maintenance problem surfaced: Jeff described volunteer Marvin and Cheryl Holtmeier, who he said cleaned bleachers and picked up trash at Ronzig Field daily for more than 10 years. With the couple’s declining health they have not been able to continue, and staff and volunteers are now facing persistent bird droppings in the rafters. Staff has tried bird repellent and temporary measures; commissioners discussed enclosing or sheeting the underside of the rafters and other mitigation such as larger fans to discourage roosting.

Jeff said enclosing rafters or otherwise closing the underside could reduce the need for daily cleaning but raised cost considerations; no estimate or funding source was discussed. He said the concession stand addition remains planned but was not completed before the spring season; the project depends on fundraising and sponsorships.

Ending: commissioners praised volunteer stewardship and discussed recognition ideas — a bench, tree or small plaque — while staff and volunteers continue to pursue both short-term bird mitigation and longer-term facility improvements ahead of the regional tournament.