January 31, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, May 10

Me and Sawyer are here at Village Board so you don’t have to be. #dancephotosmadeuslate

They discussed the outdoor cafe ordinance before we got here. Basically, they are putting in some regulations so they have control over where outdoor cafes can go, ect. Much like their food truck ordinance.

They purchased a Skid Steer and Street Sweeper for $78,930 and a Shed for SW Park for $3,851.50.

Just a note. MX Electric Inc. sponsors our live blogs. 🙂

They are currently discussing a request by summer softball to purchase equipment. Joe, the village administrator, isn’t sure they should because it sets a precedent. Jim Wagner thinks they should because softball pays for equipment that everyone uses to maintain village fields.

They are discussing rakes. They want six rakes and some village people are asking why they need six rakes. People are also concerned that they will have to buy lots of equipment now.

So…. no one is here to discuss the sewer bills. I was 17 minutes late but the sign in sheet is empty.

Joe is saying people are vandalizing the public bathrooms.

Discussing an equipment surcharge.

They approved it. They are discussing what they do at the parks each day. Emptying trash, cleaning up, ect.

Discussing grass abatement fees. Fees for second and third offenses will go up. They will vote on it at the next meeting.

They don’t cite until the yards are 10 to 12 inches tall. It takes 20 days for them to get the certified letters, ect. That would end up being some tall grass. #itsajungle

Commercial appraisal quotes $5,000 for the village hall, boy scout hall, and annex for a county recognized appraisal. It’s only good for 2 years. Boy scout building is a great spot to take family photos. Just an FYI. Joe said he doesn’t think they will be able to sell the buildings within two years so he found a different way – it’s called a broker’s opinion of value. It’s not county recognized. Joe thinks they should do the broker’s opinion. If they do decide to sell they will have to appraise them but the broker’s opinion gives them a general idea of what the buildings are worth.

LOGO time. Joe found someone to design a logo for $319. So I stand corrected. It is not expensive at all. Joe asked them to look at other corporate logos. Like Savoy and Mahomet. They are pretty simple. Basically, it’s a freelance company that the village puts a proposal up and then people submit them. Mahomet has used it.

Next Thursday Philo Exchange will be before the zoning board for their application.

Saturday there will be a sign dedication for BJ Hackler at 930 at the corner of Main and Lincoln. Lt. Landers will be at 11 a.m. on Aspen Court. The public should attend.

Tami saying the village’s thoughts and prayers are with the family of former US Rep. Tim Johnson who was a dedicated public servant for years. He passed away today.

Max Painter saying he wonders if the public actually wants the town to grow. Wagner saying the schools numbers are declining because there aren’t enough houses and no one is moving out. Tami saying commercial growth helps a town’s tax base.

Meeting is over.

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