Meeting Briefs

Casey City Council July 7 Meeting Briefs

Police Vehicle Purchase: Casey City Council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe squad car for $54,864 from Mike Chevrolet. The vehicle was budgeted in last year’s appropriations but delivery was delayed until this year.

Return-to-Work Policy: The council approved Ordinance #586 adopting a return-to-work policy for city employees injured on the job. The policy allows workers to remain on payroll with limited duties or temporary assignments until they can fully return to their positions.

Walking Path Phase Two: Council members approved moving forward with the second phase of the city’s walking path project. The total cost is estimated at $117,000, with $40,000 from the Lumpkin Foundation and $30,000 from CIA. The remaining balance will come from ARPA funds, which have $40,000-$50,000 remaining.

Infrastructure Update: Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs reported that Wallace Construction began sidewalk work on Northeast Street Monday, with completion expected by the end of next week. The project addresses student safety concerns after a previous incident.

Lead Service Line Inventory: The city must notify 520 customers this week about potentially unknown service line materials as part of EPA requirements. Officials have not found any lead service lines but must inform customers whose line materials remain undetermined.

Financial Reports: The council approved June bills paid totaling $934,489.87 and Treasurer Gail Lorton’s collection report of $539,731.08.

July 4th Celebration: Officials reported a successful Independence Day celebration with popular food trucks and well-attended fireworks display. The event featured improved logistics and drew larger crowds than previous years.

Business Improvement Grants: Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced the business improvement grant program will be ready for council approval at the next meeting. The program will offer up to six grants of $25,000 each with a 50% match requirement from applicants.

Latest News Stories

Attorney argues IL should honor TX warrants for absconding Dems

Attorney argues IL should honor TX warrants for absconding Dems

By Greg BishopThe Center Square An Illinois state senator acting as local counsel for the Texas Republicans wanting to have that state’s warrants for absconding Democrats recognized by Illinois says...
WATCH: Legislators urge return to capitol to deal with increasing Illinois energy costs

WATCH: Legislators urge return to capitol to deal with increasing Illinois energy costs

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Republicans are demanding that state legislators return to the capitol to deal with soaring energy prices....
Parental rights groups concerned over DEI in Denver teacher contract

Parental rights groups concerned over DEI in Denver teacher contract

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square As Denver Public Schools move forward with finalizing a new teacher contract, parental rights groups are raising concerns about inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion...
Homeland Secretary: Pritzker, Johnson are protecting dangerous criminals

Homeland Secretary: Pritzker, Johnson are protecting dangerous criminals

By Jim TalamontiThe Center Square U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested criminals who would still be on the streets...
Reports: DOJ probing NY AG's fraud case against Trump

Reports: DOJ probing NY AG’s fraud case against Trump

By Chris WadeThe Center Square The Justice Department has subpoenaed New York Attorney General Letitia James as part of an investigation into whether she violated President Donald Trump's civil rights...
Trump warns of 'Great Depression' if appeals court curbs tariff power

Trump warns of ‘Great Depression’ if appeals court curbs tariff power

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump said Friday that if an appeals court curbs his tariff authority, America could sink into a "Great Depression." The U.S. Court of...
Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward

Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square DHS announces new facility U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has returned to Illinois to discuss expanding detention facilities for what...
Abbott to call 'special session after special session' in response to AWOL Dems

Abbott to call ‘special session after special session’ in response to AWOL Dems

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed what many in Austin speculated: he will call special session after special session until bills are passed. Abbott called the current...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 8th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Friday Aug. 8th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop covers the latest...
Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes

Legislator urges leaders to focus on relief for Illinois’ high property taxes

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois now being home to the highest property tax rates in the country, state Rep....
Charles-Harlan-1754588106

Charles Dewain Harlan, 73

Charles Dewain Harlan, 73, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, formerly of Greenup, Illinois, passed away at 5:25 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Greentree Assisted Living in Mt. Vernon. He...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for August 4, 2025

The Casey City Council met Monday to approve its annual spending plan, address blighted properties, and discuss impending utility rate increases driven by inflation and a shrinking customer base. The...
Texas House, Illinois state senator sue 33 AWOL Democrats in Illinois court

Texas House, Illinois state senator sue 33 AWOL Democrats in Illinois court

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Texas House of Representatives has sued 33 House Democrats who absconded to Illinois to prevent...
WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says

WATCH: Democrat state redistricting efforts created unfair advantages, lawmaker says

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Democratic lawmakers from California to New York have threatened to redistrict in response to Texas'...
Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment

Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Fatal helicopter crash Two people are dead after a helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River. The Federal Aviation...