The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
Sheriff Mark Lumbeck attended the Stronghurst Village Board meeting last Monday, December 6th to address the matters he had been reading about in the newspaper.
In regards to the ongoing issue of no police patrol at school in the mornings, Sheriff Lumbeck said that his deputy Steve Haynes was at the school each morning, except on his day off, from 7:50 a.m. until school began.
Robert Scott stated that perhaps there was a misunderstanding because on their log sheet no time was listed that the deputy was at the school.
Sheriff Lumbeck said there have been no problems. People do stop to let their children out by the "no parking' sign, he said, "but they are just as concerned for the safety of other children as they are their own."
President Eric Chockley said he had talked with school officials, teachers, etc. and had found no problems. The board members present felt the problem has been solved and it would not be necessary that a deputy be there every day, just periodically to keep an eye on the situation.
Sheriff Lumbeck also stated that his department will not pick up stray dogs. They will only enforce the Village Ordinances concerning animals.
Board members said there has been damage to the Village Park and the park's curfew is not being enforced. Sheriff Lumbeck said he had talked with his deputies concerning this problem.
In other business, President Chockley stated that he has been receiving criticism that the meetings are being run too loosely. If necessary an agenda will have to be set.
"The public is always welcome and always first on the agenda," Chockley said, "but they cannot enter a meeting late and expect to be heard."
It was voted to give the village employees a Christmas gift of $75.
Lu Ann Nortrup, the new Village Clerk, was instructed to check out the new office and come back next month with a list of items needed to furnish it. This list is to include blinds for the windows.
President Chockley said the Village needed a Credit Card that Bob Carmean could use instead of using his personal credit card for parts, etc. that need to be ordered. Tony Griepentrog will look into this.
Since Tony Griepentrog is not in town every day now, Treasurer Lori Russell suggested another board member be placed on the signature card at the bank. It was agreed Juanita Jarvis would be placed on the card.
Caucuses will be held Janurary 10th for the People and Citizens parties. Five of six seats will be up for election this year.
There was a discussion held on an increase in salary for the trustees and the president. No decision was made.
The Sheriff Department's report consisted of 10 items, five which were cleared by arrests.
Stray dogs, driving under the influence of alcohol and disobey stop sign were for information only; reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol are pending investigation and arrests were made for 2 suspended, revoked drivers license offenses; other traffic offenses, possession of 30 grams or less, and speeding.
The board entered closed session at 8:15 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.
Present were:
Board members, Robert Scott, Jaunita Jarvis, Angela Myers and Tony Griepentrog; President Eric Chockley;
Clerk Deanna Huss and Lu Ann Nortrup;
Treasurer Lori Russell;
Village Employee Bob Carmean;
Deputy Steve Henshaw;
Sheriff Mark Lumbeck;
Guests, Bob Hamilton, Curt Eisenmayer and Gary Kline.
Absent were board members, Lawrence Neff and David Vancil.