December 19, 2025 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

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...

St. Joseph Community Garage Sales Spring 2025

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

5 505 N 4th St.Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 8am-2pmClothing, toddler to adult (all sizes) household items, toys, craft items, lots of...

St. Joseph grade encourages parents to keep kids home if sick

January 8, 2025

January 8, 2025

St. Joseph Grade School is reminding parents to keep their children at home if they are sick. “Unfortunately this time...

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. 11, 2025

November 11, 2025

November 11, 2025

Public comment Boy Scout Eagle Scout project. Asking the board if they have an interest in a bat box at...

Board approves concession stand project

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

St. Joseph-Ogden Softball  will be getting a concession stand, restrooms, and a concrete walkway that will connect to the north parking...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Sept. 9, 2025

September 9, 2025

September 9, 2025

I am here. So much interesting stuff is on the agenda for tonight. Jack Flash is here asking for the...

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...

Saturday’s SJO sports roundup: Franzen fares well in Peoria

September 16, 2024

September 16, 2024

Detweiller Park in Peoria is where every high school cross-country runner in Illinois wants to endits season at. It’s the...

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...

Talk of the Town with Mayor Ray Cunningham

August 25, 2019

August 25, 2019

Recently, Homer lost its grocery store and the Main Street Belly Deli. Mayor Ray Cunningham discusses how Homer is hoping...

Positive attitude and strong academics focus for Taylor

March 13, 2019

March 13, 2019

Every month we feature a story on a student-athlete of the month. This post is sponsored by Christie Clinic. Maclayne...

SJO advances to Regional title game

June 5, 2021

June 5, 2021

After a most unusual year that saw no postseason contests in any spring sports, 2021 is much different in that...

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.,...

Comments
Leave a Reply