2 men charged with stealing grill

WATERLOO -- A trail of grease thwarted two men who allegedly attempted to steal an industrial sized barbeque grill.

Andrew Schneider and Trent Gilliam are accused of stealing the 16-foot long, stainless steel grill from the Monroe County Courthouse lawn late Tuesday during the Porta Westfalica Festival, which is named after Waterloo's German sister city.

The Monroe County Pork Producers grilled more than 500 steaks and 1,000 bratwursts on the new grill, valued at $10,000. Police allege the 29-year-old Schneider and 35-year-old Gilliam hooked the grill to the back of a truck as festival goers were enjoying their steaks and cold drinks.

Waterloo Police Chief Jim Trantham said officers followed the grease trail, which led them to nearby Valmeyer, where the men were arrested. Each posted $10,000 bond and were released Wednesday from the Monroe County Jail.