The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Board Says, Not Interested In Beer Tent At Fair Grounds

by: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

Joe Kane, president of the Henderson County Fair Board, approached the Stronghurst village board trustees on Monday night to ask for their support in having a beer tent at the Henderson County Fair.

He said the fair ground is not within the city limits, but since Stronghurst is a dry town the fair board would like their approval to pursue this endeavor.

They are also trying to obtain approval from the Henderson County Board and Stronghurst Township.

Kane said there are two reasons why the fair board voted unanimously to investigate having a beer tent. One, alcohol is already on the fair ground during the fair and second, to raise revenue.

They like to have a good carnival for the kids and last year were $3400 short on money.

Kane stated they would have to apply for a special event liquor permit, which costs $25. The beer tent would be open for 5 nights and shut down at a decent hour.

He also stated they would hire security to see that the beer stayed within the area and that underage kids would not be buying it.

After some discussion President Eric Chockley asked the clerk to take roll call for an informational vote.

Lawrence Neff-no; Angela Myers-no; Mike Nelson-yes; Chris Cook-abstrain; Tony Griepentrog-no; David Vancil-no.

Six boy scouts from troop #63 and two leaders, attended the board meeting to learn how their local government works.

President Chockley took time to explain to the boys what the board's purpose was and what they were doing.

Kelly Kane, of Central Tank Inc., was present to report on the condition of the village's water tower and what it would cost to bring it up to OHSA specifications.

No decisions were made.

In other business:

• Discussed raising water rates, currently checking into income vs expenses.
• Heard report on caucus: Peoples Party-Eric Chockley for mayor; David Vancil and Mike Nelson for trustees; Citizens Party-no one; Independent Party-Mike Bohnenkamp and Roger Cook.
• Yearly calendar still being worked on.
• Bill turned in from fair board in the amount of $1039.47 from '05-'08, for a dumpster that should not have been charged for. Bill will be turned in to Waste Management.
• Agreed to move Tony Anderson's report further up on the monthly agenda instead of last.
• Tony Anderson will be attending class in Effingham on February 18th.
• President Chockley requested the bricks be 3 high around the flower beds in the park to prevent the bikes from running through them.

Present were: President Eric Chockley; Trustees, Lawrence Neff, Angela Myers, Mike Nelson, Chris Cook, Tony Griepentrog, David Vancil; Clerk Lori Russell; Treasurer Lou Ann Nortrup; Employee Tony Anderson; Guests, Joe Kane, Kelly Kane, James, Stonger, Joey Stonger, Casey Forrester, Drew Schmiers, Sean Schmiers, Eric Turner, Garrett Lefler and Deb Lefler.

The meeting adjourned approximately 8:15 p.m. until Monday, March 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

BOY SCOUTS RECEIVE CIVIC LESSON: Joey Stonger, Casey Forrester, Drew Schmiers, Sean Schmiers, Eric Turner, and Garrett Lefler with President Eric Chockley at Monday Night's Stronghurst Board Meeting.