MEREDOSIA MAYOR WARNS ABOUT DANGEROUS RIVER ICE

MEREDOSIA — After spotting two children walking on thawing ice on the Illinois River, Meredosia Mayor Kenneth Scott III says the incident has prompted village officials to consider a new safety initiative aimed at local students.

Scott said he stopped after seeing the children walking on the frozen—but beginning to thaw—river and convinced them to get off the ice after noticing areas where the surface was weakening.

Following the incident, Scott and Police Chief Derrick Suttles are discussing the possibility of holding a First Responder Safety Day at the school. The event would give local first responders an opportunity to speak with students about river safety and other potential hazards in the community.

Officials said businesses could help sponsor the event, with any funds raised potentially helping the village install additional security cameras. Suttles noted the cameras would benefit both the community and local businesses by improving safety and deterring crime.

In other business, the village board discussed plans for a citywide cleanup effort expected to take place during the second week of June. The village plans to secure three dumpsters for residents to dispose of unwanted items. Officials are still deciding whether the cleanup will include a $30 fee and whether items will be picked up at the curb. Suttles suggested the event should remain free for residents who cannot afford the fee and said people could also bring items directly to a supervised dumpster.

Board members also discussed a property owned by the village on South Washington Street that includes a house and trailer that must be demolished before the property can be redeveloped. Scott said the village is required to take bids on the property but noted the board could choose to sell to a buyer who best serves the community’s interests if the bid meets at least 80 percent of the property’s appraised value. The board tabled the decision for further discussion.

Police are also working with Dollar General to issue no-trespass notices to individuals the store believes are involved in theft.

Following a recent accident at the intersection of Park and North Marion streets, Suttles asked the village to consider installing two-way or four-way stop signs at the location. Board members said they plan to review other intersections in town before making a decision.

The board also approved a change in the village’s phone service provider. Frontier currently charges $459 per month for three phone lines, while CassComm estimates the same service would cost about $163 per month.

Village trustees also approved a temporary liquor license for May 2 for the annual May Days celebration. The event will include a pageant at the school on May 1 and a festival in the park on May 2 featuring carnival rides, food trucks, a petting zoo, and live entertainment.