February 3, 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

Village moves forward with TIF process

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

The Village of St. Joseph is moving forward with the process to form a TIF District. Tonight at 7 p.m.,...

McKinney leads unbeaten SJO football into showdown with rival Unity

September 19, 2025

September 19, 2025

The atmosphere will have the feel of a playoff game. It always does. Even if it’s a Week 4 kickoff...

C and C Pretties

August 10, 2024

August 10, 2024

Tell me about your business. I sell is Hairbows,Dish scrubbies,  badge reels  scrunches, and beaded pens and soon will offer...

Suits a dedicated public servant

September 5, 2025

September 5, 2025

Lowell Suits dedicated 38 years of his life to public service.  Now, he will enjoy his retirement. Suits has retired...

‘PVO is an outstanding district’

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

Todd Wilson is thankful. Thankful for his time at Rantoul Township High School. And thankful for the opportunity to serve...

Earley, Altenbaumer help SJO baseball off to solid start

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Playing a difficult schedule is a staple of the St. Joseph-Ogden baseball program under coach Josh Haley. So is winning...

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, March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

We are live so you don’t have to be. Thanks to MX Electric for sponsoring our live blogs. No public...

Challenging schedule testing SJO girls’ basketball early on

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

The first month of the season for the St. Joseph-Ogden girls’ basketball has featured a challenging schedule and some quality...

Road Tripping

July 19, 2024

July 19, 2024

Every week we will feature a location within an hour and a half of St. Joseph that you can take...

Tuesday’s Spartans’ sports update: SJO volleyball earns home win

September 11, 2024

September 11, 2024

The week has started off on a strong note for the St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball team.A night after beating nonconference foe...

Residential Electronics Collection Event scheduling taking place now

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

The online registration for Champaign County’s Spring Residential Electronics Collection Event is now open! The collection event will take place...

Get to know our Little Prince and Princess Candidates : Alayna Kelly-Mathey

August 9, 2024

August 9, 2024

We asked our Little Prince and Princess candidates 5 questions. Here are their answers. What is your favorite part of...

Parents hold tailgate at St. Joseph IGA

November 15, 2025

November 15, 2025

Parents of the St. Joseph-Ogden Football team wanted to rally the community. So, Shawna Waller, Billie Hayes, Adrienne Umbarger and...

Vendor profile: Fun Faces and Balloons and Snow 2 Go

August 9, 2024

August 9, 2024

Tell me about your business. We are Fun Faces and Balloons and now Snow 2 Go!! We provide amazing balloon...

Comments
Leave a Reply