Stronghurst Village Board 

Stronghurst Board Hears From Residents

By Shirley Linder, Executive Quill Editor

At the Village of Stronghurst board meeting held on Wednesday, May 6, a couple of residents were present to comment on the recent vandalism occurring in Stronghurst. 

Paul Baxter, who grew up in Stronghurst and had returned here 3 years ago said his son, Thomas, 13, had been threatened and harassed by 4 or 5 kids at the park. 

Paul stated he had tried to talk with these kids, but it had only resulted in vandalism at his house, such as broken glass on his drive way and egging his house. To make matters worse they had also egged his mother’s house, as well as threw rocks and cans at it and put broken glass in the yard. 

He has now put up cameras on his own house as well as his mother’s property. He praised Chief of Police Arbry Vancil and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department for their handling of the cases.

Paul said the park situation has improved over the last couple of weeks and he has noted more families going there to enjoy the park.

He was advised to keep reporting any incidents that happened as the kids were getting older and they could be handled with more seriousness.

Grant Robertson reported someone had between January and April thrown eggs at his home. He said the foul language, which had been “Real Bad” the last couple of weeks in the park has improved.

Mayor Schaley said the situation should improve if Arb keeps the pressure on and they publicly shame them on the Facebook page, although apparently some out there do not appreciate.

Mayor Brendan Schaley said, “You can print this Shirley, I am the delinquent that does run the page.”

Ronnie Gittings reported the well is still producing only 78 gallon per minute which means they still need to haul water on a daily basis. Gittings said the new tractor had arrived and was really nice. He said the cab on it would be very much appreciated when they were working in the sewer pit where there is a lot of bugs.

Mayor Schaley gave the police report in the absent of Arbry Vancil. The report included 23.5 worked; 30 miles on the squad car; 17 service calls; 11 verbal warnings; 6 business checks. 

Vancil had been around to each house on the list sighted for cleanup and taken pictures. These will be turned over to the attorney.

Doug Erickson of Benton & Associates informed the board they had gotten the well construction permit. There could be a few small issues that will slow it down but the bids should be able to be let soon. He presented the board with the first engineering invoice in the amount of $58,000.

There is a need for a new ordinance for a truck route in town as grain trucks are coming in on Harmony Street pass Oak Wood and tearing up the street. Mayor Schaley was given permission to contact the attorney and take care of this issue.

In other business the board:

*approved the April minutes and paying of the bills

*approved the financial statement of $509.21                     

*heard the next zoning meeting will be at 5:00 p.m. on May 20th.

*will contact Ameren regarding street lights that are out in Stronghurst

*approved having some dead trees removed

*heard the attorney is working on, budget and appropriations; meditation with LRS contract; and properties needing cleaned up

The board entered into executive session at 6:31 for the purpose of new employment.   

Upon entering open session the board voted to hire Mitch Sparrow, Johnny Garner, and Mason Schaley as part time summer help.

In attendance: Mayor Brendan Schaley; Trustees, Mike Bohnenkamp, Janice Smith, Paige Torrance, Amanda Van Arsdale, Mike Swisher, (Nathan Harden, absent); Employees, Ronnie Gittings, Brittany Smith; Guests, Paul Baxter, Thomas Baxter, Grant Robertson, Dennis Day, Doug Erickson of Benton & Associates, and Shirley Linder.