March 29, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Oct. 12, 2021

Thanks to MX electric for sponsoring our live blogs.

Talking Splash PAD.

I was late because I was shooting Oakwood vs. STM Soccer for the News-Gazette.

Hearing a presentation from the village clerk from Catlin on their splash pad.

The annual ongoing cost to maintain this $1,800 to $3,600.

Cost to install was about $100,000.

They sold memorial benches for $2,500, the cost was $600 to fundraise.

Julie discussing how Catlin did a door hanger to collect money. 2500 would cost close to $500. Hackler family has been having people donate money towards it. Both Hackler girls have young grandchildren who would use the splash pad. The idea is that the splash pad would go by the retention pond in the sports complex.

Art has a question. Asking about lifeguards. There are no lifeguards at a splash pad.

Asking if there has been any vandalism problems. There has not been.

Said the biggest issues are doing the software updates because people wait until the last minute. Recommending doing it six weeks ahead of time. Said people call if it isn’t open exactly on time.

Catlin Village Board donated half of the cost to the fundraising.

Discussing where the splash pad would go and what type of water to use.


Okay, my internet dropped. Basically- The board wants the committee chaired by Julie Hendrickson to come up with a size and what exactly would be in it but is also giving us permission to fundraise so look for the door hangers coming soon.

There was lot of discussion regarding where it would go. Maybe it would go at Hackler, not Woodard.

Tami saying it would be good to fundraise to see if the town even wants one. #GOOD IDEA

Max, Dan and Jim are on board and want to fundraise to see where it is going. Terri is also supportive but also wants to remind the village that they would have to budget for the cost for water, etc.

The committee is looking at grants to fund the water usage. Catlin said it could be as much as $3600 a year.

Committee, chaired by Julie Hendrickson, thinks a splash pad would be good for the following reasons 1. It would benefit children who aren’t in to sports, which the village does spent a lot of money on. 2. It would be a draw for out of town residents if done correctly. 3. If we can fundraise enough the cost to the village is very, very small.

If the funds aren’t raised the money will be returned to the donors.

Look for more information forthcoming.

Discussing crossing guard situation. They want a wireless sign on Rt. 150 telling people to SLOW DOWN.

BIGGEST NEWS: Halloween Parade at 10 a.m. with the mayor to area towns. It is delightful. Sawyer and I go every year. #freecandy

Discussing intergovernmental agreements for other towns to use our equipment. Basically, they rent it from us instead of somewhere in town.

THIS IS THE WORST PART. I was told about this last week. Julie is retiring on Dec. 31. I cannot tell you how much Julie does for the village, for the residents and gets very little credit. She has held the position for 21 plus years. She is awesome and she will be missed. But also, it’s a happy time because if anyone deserves a happy retirement it is our friend Julie. #stillgotherforafewmonths













Banner
Related Posts

Business owners thankful for community support after break-ins

January 25, 2022

January 25, 2022

Around 6 a.m. this morning the owner of Country Chics, Stacy Cast, got a notification. The notification told her that...

Village of St. Joseph, TIF meeting, April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

I am here. With only a few of my closest friends. They are voting tonight. They passed all three TIF...

Board approves concession stand project

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

St. Joseph-Ogden Softball  will be getting a concession stand, restrooms, and a concrete walkway that will connect to the north parking...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

We are discussing the community festival and fee structures tonight. There are no public comments. Asking for some details on...

Get to know our Little Prince and Princess Candidates : Remington Casad

August 10, 2024

August 10, 2024

What is your favorite part of summer?Going swimming and having fun outside on the playground What do you want to be...

Vendor profile: That Little Farm in the Country

August 8, 2024

August 8, 2024

Tell me about your business.That Little Farm in the Country is a small business in Sidney. I design and sell...

Challenging schedule testing SJO girls’ basketball early on

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

The first month of the season for the St. Joseph-Ogden girls’ basketball has featured a challenging schedule and some quality...

Vendor profile: The Ribcage

August 8, 2024

August 8, 2024

1. Tell me about your business. Locally owned and operated BBQ 2. What has been the most challenging part about...

Vendor profile: Frosty Fresh Freeze Dried Foods

August 9, 2024

August 9, 2024

Tell me about your business. Frosty Fresh Freeze Dried Foods. I sell mostly Freeze Dried candy so far. This winter...

Parade to raise money for food pantry

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

Boy Scout Troop 40 wants to celebrate America while helping the community. During the annual Fourth of July parade, Troop...

Forest preserve wants residents to hike 30 trails

July 5, 2024

July 5, 2024

If you like to stay active, the Champaign County Forest Preserve has a way to help. The District has created...

Mold issue being addressed at SJO

August 25, 2025

August 25, 2025

A mold issue in St. Joseph-Ogden High School is being addressed. Superintendent Brian Brooks said the mold was discovered last...

Vendor profile: Katie Creates

August 10, 2024

August 10, 2024

Tell me about your business. I am an acrylic pour artist, meaning that I create art by pouring acrylic paint....

10 things you don’t know about me… Dan Davis

May 22, 2019

May 22, 2019

We asked the newest St. Joseph Village Trustee, Dan Davis, to tell us 10 things we didn’t know about him....

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Nov. 11, 2025

November 11, 2025

November 11, 2025

Public comment Boy Scout Eagle Scout project. Asking the board if they have an interest in a bat box at...

Comments
Leave a Reply