The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Council Approves New La Harpe Police Chief and Deputies; Discuss Misuse of Golf Carts

by Michael Rodeffer, The Quill Reporter

La Harpe has a new Chief of Police and two deputies after Monday night’s June 10th La Harpe City Council meeting adjourned.

The council unanimously approved the May 1st resignation of Police Chief Lynn Hoyt (due to health reasons), a second motion to approve Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed’s appointment of Scott Rosson as Chief of Police, along with an increase of Rosson’s salary to match the salary of former Chief Lynn Hoyt.

The board also unanimously approved the appointment of Larry Finch of La Harpe as La Harpe Police Department Sergeant. Then after interviewing a 3rd candidate during an Executive Session, the Council hired Tim Edwards of Nauvoo as a part time police officer for the City of La Harpe at an hourly wage of $20.00. Edwards will fill in 2 to 5 days a month to be effective as soon as his paperwork has been submitted.

Later in discussion, Dave Clover said kids who are underage are illegally driving golf carts around town. Police Chief Rosson said they are driving with several kids loaded in the carts. He has even seen babies being hauled around in golf carts.

“We don’t want to see a tragedy happen,” he said.

It was discussed that something should be drawn up for the paper with plans to curtail these actions.

The regular June meeting was called to order at City Hall at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed with all members present except for Councilman Jim Lenix.

Committee reports were held to a minimum with ESDA representative Max Owsley updating the board on the county now having a new ESDA Director.

Owsley also reported that the weather radar news will now come from Bentley.

Under Public Comment, Dan Gillett gave some tentative dates and plans for the Hancock County Bicentennial Celebration to be celebrated in 2025.

Under New Business, the board approved

• the annual cost of living raises for employees at a 3.2% increase.
• one Porta Potty for Farmer’s Market and Movie Night at the La Harpe City Park from Durand Septic Service
• reimbursement of $1200 to Jim Ford for a tree the city had damaged.

In other business:

• Employee evaluations were discussed.
• gave an application for a Class A Liquor License in the La Harpe Family Restaurant to its owner Efren Guel
• approved a request by Clerk Lucretia McPeak to pay two bills out of the Motor Fuel Tax Fund pertaining to road improvements $4212.75 to Galesburg Builders Supplies and $3581.90 to Midwest Express in Colchester.
• Scott Rosson noted they have a new computer for the La Harpe City Police SUV Ford Explorer and that Bob Lionberger has updated their older computer.
• noted there will not be a second meeting in June, due to 3 Alderman being absent that day.

Present at the meeting were: Mayor Kat Hasten-Reed, Council persons- Todd Stevens, Randy Shumaker, Marvin Miller, Dave Clover, Amanda Donaldson,

Clerk Lucretia McPeak, Treasurer Monalisa Graves;

Employees: Tim Graves, Daniel Carpenter, David Little, Michael Donaldson,

ESDA representative Max Owsley;

La Harpe Police Officers Scott Rosson, Larry Finch, and Tim Edwards, and

Guests: Efren Guel owner of La Harpe Family Restaurant, Dan Gillett, and Quill reporter Michael Rodeffer. Jim Lenix was absent.