May 2, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Oct. 12, 2021

Thanks to MX electric for sponsoring our live blogs.

Talking Splash PAD.

I was late because I was shooting Oakwood vs. STM Soccer for the News-Gazette.

Hearing a presentation from the village clerk from Catlin on their splash pad.

The annual ongoing cost to maintain this $1,800 to $3,600.

Cost to install was about $100,000.

They sold memorial benches for $2,500, the cost was $600 to fundraise.

Julie discussing how Catlin did a door hanger to collect money. 2500 would cost close to $500. Hackler family has been having people donate money towards it. Both Hackler girls have young grandchildren who would use the splash pad. The idea is that the splash pad would go by the retention pond in the sports complex.

Art has a question. Asking about lifeguards. There are no lifeguards at a splash pad.

Asking if there has been any vandalism problems. There has not been.

Said the biggest issues are doing the software updates because people wait until the last minute. Recommending doing it six weeks ahead of time. Said people call if it isn’t open exactly on time.

Catlin Village Board donated half of the cost to the fundraising.

Discussing where the splash pad would go and what type of water to use.


Okay, my internet dropped. Basically- The board wants the committee chaired by Julie Hendrickson to come up with a size and what exactly would be in it but is also giving us permission to fundraise so look for the door hangers coming soon.

There was lot of discussion regarding where it would go. Maybe it would go at Hackler, not Woodard.

Tami saying it would be good to fundraise to see if the town even wants one. #GOOD IDEA

Max, Dan and Jim are on board and want to fundraise to see where it is going. Terri is also supportive but also wants to remind the village that they would have to budget for the cost for water, etc.

The committee is looking at grants to fund the water usage. Catlin said it could be as much as $3600 a year.

Committee, chaired by Julie Hendrickson, thinks a splash pad would be good for the following reasons 1. It would benefit children who aren’t in to sports, which the village does spent a lot of money on. 2. It would be a draw for out of town residents if done correctly. 3. If we can fundraise enough the cost to the village is very, very small.

If the funds aren’t raised the money will be returned to the donors.

Look for more information forthcoming.

Discussing crossing guard situation. They want a wireless sign on Rt. 150 telling people to SLOW DOWN.

BIGGEST NEWS: Halloween Parade at 10 a.m. with the mayor to area towns. It is delightful. Sawyer and I go every year. #freecandy

Discussing intergovernmental agreements for other towns to use our equipment. Basically, they rent it from us instead of somewhere in town.

THIS IS THE WORST PART. I was told about this last week. Julie is retiring on Dec. 31. I cannot tell you how much Julie does for the village, for the residents and gets very little credit. She has held the position for 21 plus years. She is awesome and she will be missed. But also, it’s a happy time because if anyone deserves a happy retirement it is our friend Julie. #stillgotherforafewmonths













Banner
Related Posts

Spartans end losing streak

December 5, 2022

December 5, 2022

The St. Joseph-Ogden High School girls’ basketball team needed a win on Thursday night.Not in the worst possible way. But...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

June 10, 2025

I am here so you can stay home and enjoy this nice weather. Thanks to MX Electric for sponsoring our...

Q and A with SJO Hall of Fame inductee Morgan Gooding 

October 3, 2025

October 3, 2025

1. How does it feel to be inducted into the hall of fame? Honestly, it was a surprise. So many...

Fruhling-Voges to retire from public office, endorses Page for Mayor

September 2, 2024

September 2, 2024

Tami Fruhling-Voges has announced she will not be running for re-election as Mayor of St. Joseph. “I am ready to...

Hackler to be honored with street sign

January 25, 2022

January 25, 2022

Former Mayor B.J. Hackler used to spend a lot of time on Lincoln and Main Streets in St. Joseph. If...

Get to know Judy Bowlby

March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

Bowlby, a former Cerro Gordo resident, is running in the 15th Congressional District Primary What inspired you to enter the...

Troop 2191 purchases Christmas Tree for community

July 9, 2024

July 9, 2024

Girl Scout Troop 2191 wants St. Joseph to have a very merry Christmas. In April the troop approached the village...

St. Joseph Village Board- Live

September 10, 2019

September 10, 2019

Tonight is the night where they vote on the dispensary. They are talking money. CDs and the like. And interest...

Get to know our Little Prince and Princess Candidates : Will Peters

August 10, 2024

August 10, 2024

What is your favorite part of summer?Staying at my grandparents house and having more time with mom and dad. What...

Get to know our little princess candidates: Keeley Mackenzie

August 9, 2024

August 9, 2024

1. What is your favorite part of summer? Swimming! 2. What do you want to be when you grow up?...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Feb. 10, 2026

February 10, 2026

February 10, 2026

I am here with my closest 15 friends. It’s a full house. Jeremy Dirksemeyer is here to discuss the proposed...

Live at Village Board, Nov. 23

November 23, 2021

November 23, 2021

We are live at village board. Where we will discuss the Splash Pad and failed lift stations that cause sewer...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Nov. 18, 2025

November 18, 2025

November 18, 2025

I am here. Only thing on the agenda is consideration of the ordinance approving the solicitation of qualifications and confidential...

Get to know our Little Prince and Princess Candidates : Amelia Buckley

August 10, 2024

August 10, 2024

What is your favorite part of summer?Camping What do you want to be when you grow up?The tooth fairy What...

Comments
Leave a Reply