May 23, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Foundation created to honor Oberheim

The family of Police Officer Chris Oberheim is working to develop a not-for-profit foundation.


The foundation name was announced Tuesday night at the St. Joseph Village Board meeting.


“We are proud to announce for the first time in public the name of our foundation is ‘Peacemaker Project 703,’ said a statement from Amber Oberheim. “Together with the community, we are looking forward to defending our blue family and their badges in Chris’ honor.”

The announcement was made after St. Joseph Village Trustee Jim Wagner presented Officer Oberheim’s cousin, Bev Pridemore, a check for $1,500.

Wagner Signs and Graphics had sold T-shirts, hats, yard signs and car decals to honor Officer Oberheim. The items can be found on BackBlueLine.com.


Proceeds were donated to the family.


Wagner said the response has been massive.


“It has been pretty overwhelming,” Wagner said.


The Wagners have sold more than 300 signs, 100 T-shirts, and 100 decals.


Wagner said he feels the response to the project is not only to honor Oberheim, a family man who served his community for more than 20 years but also to show support for all police officers.


“This is bringing people together in the community. They want to show their support of the law enforcement,” Wagner said.

Pridemore read a statement from Amber Oberheim.


“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Jim Wagner, Wagner Signs and Apparel, the community of St. Joe, and everyone who has supported our family in the last three weeks. Your generosity has been abundant and your love is giving us strength to move forward every day. We have been completely overwhelmed with the way that people continue to show up for us on a daily basis.”

Banner
Related Posts

Ceremony to honor Edwards scheduled for Thursday

December 9, 2020

December 9, 2020

A Gift of Hope Flag raising ceremony will be held on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the St, Joseph-Ogden...

10 things you don’t know about me… Cliff Hastings

October 14, 2022

October 14, 2022

We asked the owner of Prime Time Volleyball and the Parkland Head Volleyball Coach to tell us 10 interesting facts...

Generous family man Fisher suffering from major health issue

January 24, 2019

January 24, 2019

Luke Fisher likes to solve problems. The assistant public works superintendent does everything from work at the sewer plant to...

Learning lessons: Hilton gives back through teaching and village trustee role

May 10, 2019

May 10, 2019

Timbra Hilton moved back to Royal in 2016. She and her husband, Paul, both grew up the small town and...

Giving back: Short wins St. Joseph Chamber Citizen of the Year

April 16, 2019

April 16, 2019

Tim Short loves St. Joseph. He and his wife, Amy, moved to St. Joseph in 1992 and never thought of...

Work continuing on Rail Trail

June 27, 2022

June 27, 2022

Ogden, IL – The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is poised to construct 1.5 miles of the Kickapoo Rail Trail...

10 things you don’t know about me… Kelly Skinner

January 15, 2020

January 15, 2020

St. Joseph resident Kelly Skinner is opening her new business, Soul Care, today. The grand opening and ribbon cutting is...

10 things about me….. Dana Rowland

April 3, 2019

April 3, 2019

You may know Dana Rowland as the co-chair of the SJO Post Prom Cash Bash but now you can get...

Longview Bank helps area schools

July 15, 2020

July 15, 2020

Longview Bank is helping local schools. The bank donated $2,500 to eight school districts. Shiloh, Villa Grove, Unity, Heritage, St....

Where to see Fireworks

July 3, 2019

July 3, 2019

Area residents have numerous chances to see fireworks this weekend. This post is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events....

10 things you don’t know about me… Jim O’Brien

November 19, 2019

November 19, 2019

I always carry a small pewter heart that Lori, my wife, gave me. It’s a reminder of how lucky I...

Bringing Boston to St. Joseph: Jones to complete virtual marathon Monday throughout villages

September 5, 2020

September 5, 2020

Alison Jones has competed in the Boston Marathon before. On Monday, she will participate in the storied event — just...

10 things you don’t know about me… The Gary Olson Family

September 23, 2022

September 23, 2022

The GARY OLSON FAMILY is being inducted into the SJO Hall of Fame tonight. Gary and Nancy Olson and their...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jim Cotter

August 19, 2020

August 19, 2020

My favorite childhood memory is going to Kings Island with my family every summer on vacation My first pet was...

‘St. Joseph is better because of Dixie Hackler’

January 20, 2020

January 20, 2020

Dixie Hackler always had a smile on her face. Always made time for others. And always made sure others knew...

Comments
Leave a Reply