The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner
At the Oquawka Village board meeting on November 14th, the board returned to open session after having discussed employment issues and unanimously voted to hire part-time Henderson County Deputy Bradley Mowen of Stronghurst, as Oquawka's 2nd full-time Police Officer
Mowen joins newly appointed full-time Officer Todd Miller, of Oquawka, a retired Illinois State Trooper. He is to begin work next week at a wage of $14.50 an hour, signing a 1 year contract after he completes Illinois State Police training.
Blake Fox of Stronghurst continues working part time for now but is expected to take a job out of the area it was reported.
In other police business, Officer Miller reported that he had answered 59 calls and made 14 arrests in October.
He said, the new squad car turned out to be a very good investment and he feels they will get several years of use out of it.
Miller brought up the question of winter wear suggesting a good coat with a zip out liner and sewn on patch.
Board member Jeff Robbins said, "They have to have coats and made a motion authorizing Miller to purchase all season coats for police officers not to exceed $500.
Robbins also advised Miller that officers should wear gloves and hats to avoid frost bite.
Officer Miller also noted in his police report that "things have not slowed down at all!" pointing out a need for a second full-time village officer to put an officer on patrol evenings and days.
It was noted that grain is still being hauled from the elevator down Schuyler Street. Miller will be running the radar on Main Street, he said, to address complaints of speeding. "One person not paying attention, and we will have a very bad wreck!"
Miller was questioned about speeding problems up to 65 mph on the park road and Miller said he would have it addressed and would be using the radar.