June 17, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Van Buskirk’s love of St. Joseph inspires service

Jeff Van Buskirk loves St. Joseph.


He loves the people the schools, the parks and the traditions and the local businesses.


“I could go on and on,” Van Buskirk said. “I moved here 10 years ago and in those 10 years I have seen good changes.”


Van Buskirk is entering his sixth month as a village trustee. He was appointed to fill a vacant trustee position on April 28. His term will expire on May 20, 2021.


Van Buskirk previously served on the zoning board.


“I learned some from that,” he said.


Van Buskirk said his short term goals as a trustee was to address issues brought to him by the public. He was instrumental in the creation of a food truck moratorium to prevent food trucks on public property in the village.


During the pandemic, Van Buskirk has been impressed with the fortitude of his fellow residents.


“I have seen us all come together as a community following protocol and staying safe,” he said.


PHOTO BY Bryce Herrin

Banner
Related Posts

5 Questions with Republican Caucus candidate Terri Cummings

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

What made you want to run?  When my husband and I moved to St Joseph 14 years ago I felt...

Server issue resolved in Champaign County

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Champaign County Clerk Aaron Ammons says a system failure that led to voting machines at polling places not working has...

Get to know Holly Clingan

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Can you please provide some biographical information? I am Holly Clingan, and I’ve been a homeowner in St. Joseph for...

Voting information for Consolidated Elections

March 29, 2019

March 29, 2019

You can early vote Saturday, Sunday and Monday at these locations. Brookens Early Voting 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana •...

5 Questions with Republican caucus candidate Matt Walsh

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

1. What made you want to run? I’m a lifelong resident of Saint Joseph and at the end of the...

Get to know Emily Harms.

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Emily is running for Multi-Township Tax Assessor. 1. Can you provide us a little biographical information? My name is Emily...

SJO School Board Candidate Les Hoveln Q and A

March 30, 2019

March 30, 2019

There are five candidates running for four open seats on the SJO School Board. Why are you running for school...

Wakefield wants to serve community

April 5, 2021

April 5, 2021

Allison Wakefield knows Ogden.  Wakefield has lived in the community for more than 18 years and is now raising her...

Haan hopes to help Ogden grow

March 31, 2021

March 31, 2021

Jim Haan wants to help Ogden grow.  “Ogden is a safe, affordable, and friendly town and I want to keep...

Richards hopes to make difference as Homer mayor

April 6, 2021

April 6, 2021

Jeremy Richards has plans for Homer.  That is why he is running for mayor in the April 6 election.  “I...

Get to know Jim O’Brien

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Jim is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?  I am...

Get to know Lindsay Rubach

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

Lindsay is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?As an Educator...

Cooper looks to make a difference in Ogden

April 5, 2021

April 5, 2021

Kelly Cooper wants to make a difference in Ogden.  That is why she ran for village board in 2017 and...

St. Joseph Grade School Candidate Surveys

April 1, 2019

April 1, 2019

There are three people running for three seats on the St. Joseph Grade School Board. Jen Wagner Why are you...

Get to know Todd Albers.

March 22, 2025

March 22, 2025

Todd Albers is running for St. Joseph Township Trustee. Biographical Info:Hello my name is Todd Albers. I am a candidate...

Comments
Leave a Reply