The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Village Cancels Sheriff's Contract

by: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor

The Village of Stronghurst board voted unanimously to give a 30-day written notice to the Henderson County Sheriff's office canceling their contract for police protection. The contract, renewed yearly, provides the village with 5 hours per day of patrol from deputies.

Sheriff Mark Lumbeck attended the regular meeting of the Village of Stronghurst board, held on Monday, October 1st. After giving his monthly report of 3 arrests for improper operation of A.T.V.s on the road, one arrest for disobeying a stop sign and a warning ticket for speeding, President Eric Chockley asked if anyone had anything else for the sheriff.

At that point Lawrence Neff addressed the sheriff saying, "I did not appreciate the way you spoke to me when I called concerning ATVs." Sheriff Lumbeck said, "we cannot make an arrest unless we see the ATVs on the street and no one will sign a complaint against violators."

Sheriff Lumbeck told the board, If you're not satisfied, get your own police, I know Cory is looking into prices." Sheriff Lumbeck, also said, "The board needs to make up it's mind, because every little problem that comes up board members say we ought to get our own police."

Sheriff Lumbeck suggested they make up their mind saying, "We will still provide service if called, but will not enforce any village ordinances if you have your own police, we've solved a lot of problems here."

Richard Clifton and Jim Blender, representing the Stronghurst Booster Club requested a donation from the village for the November 16th Holiday Open House. Clifton said he was aware that last year the village cut their donation from $1500 to $500 because there was no parade, but that is not what the money is used for. He asked they consider $1500 again this year for decorations, music, turkeys, hams, candy, etc. A year from now they are hoping to have a lighted parade during the Holiday Open House. No action was taken.

Speaking for the Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab, Clifton said he was very appreciative of Tony Anderson' s cooperation and helpfulness when it was necessary to shut off the water. He also told the board the nursing home is proceeding with the assisted living project, which will be built on their own property. Should there be more building in the future and land purchased, he will be the one to talk to the board.

The Holiday Open House will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6th. During which time the ham and turkey drawing will be held and Santa will present the children with candy. Winners need not be present and will be called, but there will still be only one ham or turkey per household. Winners will be able to pick up their ham or turkey at Bob's TV.

Trick or Treat night was set for Wednesday, October 31 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and the village is requesting that no burning be done on the 29th, 30th, or 31st for the protection of the children.

In other business:

• Approved minutes of the September meeting on a motion from David Vancil, second by Lawrence Neff.
• Approved the bills presented for payment were approved by a motion from Tony Griepentrog, seconded by Lawrence Neff.
• Tom and Jean Crotts attended the meeting regarding a past due bill from the village for trimming a tree that had fallen during a storm on their property. They have since had another tree trimmed due to storm damage on the property at their own expense. The board decided to waive the past due bill.
• George Russell, Engineer with McClure Engineering discussed the costs of drilling a new well. The estimated cost would be $60,000 and there would be no guarantee of producing water. He recommended that an application be submitted to Rural Development for federal assistance to connect to the Dallas Rural Water District instead. Mayor Chockley signed the application as recommended by Mr. Russell.
• A $200 donation was approved for West Central School District in support of a letter writing campaign for the Highway 34 coalition project, and to support a new marquee at the school's North Campus.
• Chris Cook reported that the re-dedication ceremony for the cannon has been postponed until next spring due to a delay in the placement of bricks around the cannon.
• The Booster Club will be moving the Nativity Scene by the ambulance shed instead of the park this year so that more people will be able to see it .
• Village employees will be flushing hydrants beginning on October 10th and will continue each Wednesday for about three weeks.
• Heard the pump at the well located at the fire station is beginning to fail. The well is 300 to 400 feet deep and would require a crane to pull the pump. It is uncertain if the problem is the pump itself or the impeller portion of the pump. It is currently pumping about half the normal rate.
• Two bids were received for the purchase of the village's old pick up truck. Paul Anderson submitted a bid for $551.50 and Eric Chockley submitted a bid for $625 dollars. Eric Chockley's bid was accepted by motion from Lawrence Neff, with a second from David Vancil
• The board entered into executive session at 8:30 p.m. to discuss police protection contract.
• Chris Cook moved to close executive at 8:55 p.m., seconded by Tony Griepentrog. Motion carried.

Present: President Eric Chockley; trustees, Lawrence Neff, David Vancil, Chris Cook, Cory Fox, and Tony Griepentrog (Angela Myers absent); Clerk Lori Russell; Treasurer, Lou Ann Nortrup; Employees,Tony Anderson; Guests, Sheriff Mark Lumbeck, Brad Mowen, George Russell, Tom Crotts, Jean Crotts, Richard Clifton, and Jim Blender.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 5th, 2007 at the Stronghurst Village Hall.