April 19, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

5 questions with Republican Caucus candidate Andrea Schultheis Childers

1. What made you want to run?
We’ve lived in St. Joe for the past almost 19 years and it’s been a great place to raise our kids. I’ve been busy in the past with organizations and groups involving my kids (sports, dance, POPCELC, church youth group, etc.) Now they are older (16 and almost 20) which gives me more time to focus on other things that interest me and I’d really like to serve the community.

2. What are the major challenges you believe are facing the village?
I think we’re in a time of change like many small communities. Seeing that the village is making the improvements for the sewer system allows more growth and opportunities. I think we need to find a way to grow the community with both business and residential options. The real challenge is growing options and opportunities without losing the small town feel. Being close to Champaign-Urbana offers people conveniences that many small towns don’t have. The key is bringing people and their money to town for the right reasons.

3. What would be your four year goal for the village?
I’d like to see some businesses that help generate some tax revenue. I think that without bringing other money sources to town we put that burden on our home owners. It’s hard to expect young families to start somewhere they can’t afford. We see all the time people asking on Facebook for a rental or home upcoming available in St. Joe. We need to bring those families with young kids into our community to keep the school system and recreational activities thriving.

4. What should people know about you?
I love living in a small town. I grew up in Southern Illinois but have called St. Joe home for almost 19years. We chose St. Joe because of the safe small town feel, the good school district and the convenience of living close to C-U. Those things St. Joe still has going for it. We just need to highlight and keep that our focus while the community grows.

5. How would your previous experiences benefit the board?
I’ve worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation for 22years. I understand that teamwork and communication are keys to getting things done. I think that it’s important that we not only bring our knowledge and opinions to share but we also need to make sure we are listening to the people around us. I’ve successfully managed multimillion dollar contracts for roadway improvements that were completed without issues due to respecting other’s opinions and being willing to see things from someone else’s perspective.

Banner
Related Posts

SJO Alumni named Farm Credit CEO

September 25, 2024

September 25, 2024

Kelly Duitsman Hunt was designated as the next Farm Credit Illinois CEO by the cooperative’s board of directors. Hunt assumes...

Get to know Mitch Schluter

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Mitch is running for the SJO School Board. What motivated you to run for school board? I WANTED TO GET...

5 questions with Brian Brooks

December 15, 2024

December 15, 2024

1. What is your favorite childhood holiday memory?My favorite childhood holiday memories started each year at Thanksgiving. My mom had...

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...

Get to know our little princess candidates: Chloe Teare 

August 9, 2024

August 9, 2024

What is your favorite part of summer? Going to the pool and the fair! What do you want to be...

Heritage Junior High Honor Roll

November 9, 2020

November 9, 2020

Thanks to Appl Sanitary for sponsoring our honor rolls! Heritage Junior High has released the list of honor roll students...

Vendor profile: Janeration

August 10, 2024

August 10, 2024

Tell me about your business and what inspired you to go into business? What started as making hair bows for my...

Live at Ogden Village Board, Sept. 5, 2024

September 5, 2024

September 5, 2024

I am here so you don’t have to be. It’s a jammed packed house. Maybe for the zoning? They are...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Feb. 25, 2025

February 25, 2025

February 25, 2025

Jim Page is here. He’s running for mayor. Peter Shaw is here. He is running for village board. They just...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Sept. 24, 2024

September 24, 2024

September 24, 2024

I am watching on Zoom so you don’t have to. (I was sick today or else I would be in...

Ogden Festival to take place Saturday

August 22, 2024

August 22, 2024

Kelly Cooper wants residents of Ogden to know that their town’s festival is bigger and better than ever. “I would...

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...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

Tonight the board is discussing the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. They are also considering an update to the code of...

10 things you don’t know about me… Angi Landis

June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022

1.  I’ve wanted to be a real estate agent since my girls were little.  They are 27 and 22 (will...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, August 27, 2024

August 27, 2024

August 27, 2024

I am making my triumphant return to the live blog. On tap tonight, approving the women’s club Christmas Parade, maybe...

Comments
Leave a Reply