January 20, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Cummings hopes to continue work as trustee

Village Trustee Terri Cummings has big goals for the village.


Short term, Cummings hopes to contribute to the betterment of the community. She also hopes to support the local and small businesses who have a positive impact on the Village by increasing local jobs, increasing our tax base and helping give our community identity.


Long term, her goals include projects she describes as challenging but rewarding.


“I plan to support the Trustees, Mayor and Village employees as we proceed with the work for the sewer upgrade/expansion project,” she said. “The Board just recently approved moving forward to hire a Village Administrator. The Board felt it is important as our Village continues to grow and build a community we are proud to call home that we look at finding a professional who can lend their knowledge and experience in the areas of financial management, administration, and personnel practices to partner with us.”


Cummings said a village administrator handles the day to day management, prepares budgets, and manages human resources.


Cummings was appointed in May to fill a trustee vacancy left by Bob Rigdon and is running at the Republican Caucus tonight for re-election.


She first learned about politics as a third-grader living in Massachusetts.


“On our bus rides home we would sit on the right side or the left side of the bus, according to your candidate of choice, and would cheer and chant all the way home,” she said.


That early exposure to politics set the path for Cummings to agree to serve as a village trustee- a job she takes very seriously.


“I have spent the past few months working hard to learn the complexities of our local government issues that make our community a great place to live, work and visit,” she said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue as a contributing member of the Mayor’s team.”


Cummings said she is thankful for everyone who has served their community before her and for the residents who are currently serving the village.


“I can honestly say that our current board and employees deeply care about the village,” she said. “They work tirelessly to do their best and do what’s right for our community.”

Photo by Bryce Herrin

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