Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for October 20, 2025

Spread the love

Casey City Council Meeting | October 20, 2025

The Casey City Council on Monday, October 20, 2025, took a significant step to combat youth vandalism by passing a parental responsibility ordinance that holds guardians financially liable for damages caused by minors. The council also advanced plans for a security-focused remodel of City Hall offices and heard a report on critical upgrades needed for the city’s three emergency siren systems. For more details on these topics, see our full coverage.

Saddle Club Lease Approved: The council unanimously ratified a revision to the Casey Saddle Club’s lease agreement for city property. The change reduces the club’s required liability insurance coverage from $5 million to $3 million. The adjustment was made after it was determined the higher coverage level was causing a substantial increase in the club’s insurance premiums, and $3 million was deemed a more standard and appropriate amount.

City to Fund Airport Hangar Door Repair: The city will use funds from a maturing Certificate of Deposit (CD) to pay for an estimated $45,000 to $50,000 repair of a hangar door at the city-owned airport. Mayor Mike Nichols explained that the airport board will then fully reimburse the city for the cost. This arrangement allows the necessary repairs to be made to the city’s building while saving the airport board from having to secure a loan.

Demolition Scheduled for South Central Avenue Property: City Attorney Tracy Willenborg announced that the demolition of the property at 204 S. Central Avenue is expected to begin on October 29, pending weather conditions and final EPA clearance. The council was advised to coordinate with law enforcement and public works to ensure proper barricades are in place and to prepare for any necessary road closures during the teardown.

New Public Works Director Starts: Ryan Staley was welcomed during his first day as Casey’s new Director of Public Works. Staley was immediately tasked with developing official CAD drawings for a planned remodel of City Hall offices. He will also oversee several ongoing projects, including sidewalk construction on East Main Street and improvements at the city park.

Grant Application Submitted for Safe Routes to School: Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee reported that the city officially submitted its application for a Safe Routes to School grant on October 14. The grant program is designed to fund projects that improve safety and accessibility for students who walk or bike to school.

Comprehensive Plan Nears Completion: The city’s new comprehensive plan is in its final stages of development. Daughhetee announced that a public open house to review the plan is scheduled for November 3, just before the next council meeting. A formal public hearing to adopt the plan will be held on November 17, with a final vote expected by December 1.

Motorcycle Event Praised for Turnout: Alderman Lori Wilson praised the success of a recent motorcycle event held in town. “The motorcycle event that we had in town was amazing,” she said. “There was a bunch of people down there and all kinds of kids, and it was really good.” She expressed hope that the event organizers would return next year.

October 6 Minutes Approved: The council voted to approve the meeting minutes from its previous regular session held on October 6, 2025.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker orders 'efficiencies' for state spending; Marshalls recover missing child

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker orders ‘efficiencies’ for state spending; Marshalls recover missing child

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker orders 'efficiencies' for state spending Gov. J.B. Pritzker is directing state agencies to identify up to 4% of Fiscal Year...
WATCH: AR15s protected by 2nd Amendment; advocate reacts to appeals court hearing

WATCH: AR15s protected by 2nd Amendment; advocate reacts to appeals court hearing

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 provides highlights from...
Fiscal Fallout: Illinois spending swells 43% under Pritzker

Fiscal Fallout: Illinois spending swells 43% under Pritzker

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Discretionary spending by Illinois state leaders has increased more than $16 billion since J.B. Pritzker became governor...
Lake Land College.6

Lake Land College to Name Nursing Simulation Lab for HSHS St. Anthony’s After Major Gift

Article Summary: Following a significant financial gift from HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, the Lake Land College Foundation has recommended naming the new Nursing Simulation Lab at the Effingham Technology...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

New Incentives and Homecoming Plans Underway at Casey-Westfield Schools

Article Summary: School principals updated the Board of Education on a variety of new programs and upcoming student events, including a new "Boo Bucks" incentive program at Monroe Elementary and...

White House does not expect arrests of sanctuary mayors and governors

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says she doesn’t expect mayors or governors of sanctuary jurisdictions like...
ICE puts California, Illinois, New York on notice for refusing to cooperate

ICE puts California, Illinois, New York on notice for refusing to cooperate

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons has contacted the attorneys general of California,...
Appeals judge questions ‘uphill battle’ for IL gun ban found unconstitutional

Appeals judge questions ‘uphill battle’ for IL gun ban found unconstitutional

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A three judge panel in a federal appeals took the challenge to Illinois’ gun and magazine ban...
Illinois library staff to be trained with overdose antidotes under new law

Illinois library staff to be trained with overdose antidotes under new law

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Starting next year, Illinois public libraries must stock opioid overdose antidotes and train staff, a move...
Illinois quick hits: Driver's blood alcohol over legal limit; Fed survey shows growth below trend

Illinois quick hits: Driver’s blood alcohol over legal limit; Fed survey shows growth below trend

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Driver's blood alcohol over legal limit The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office says toxicology results show that a Guatemalan national’s blood-alcohol level...
Trump relays words from Charlie Kirk: 'Please sir, save Chicago'

Trump relays words from Charlie Kirk: ‘Please sir, save Chicago’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says Charlie Kirk asked him to save Chicago. The president addressed tens of thousands...
Illinois quick hits: Edgar remembered at funeral service; Iranian charged for re-entry of removed alien

Illinois quick hits: Edgar remembered at funeral service; Iranian charged for re-entry of removed alien

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Edgar remembered at funeral service Gov. J.B. Pritzker says former Gov. Jim Edgar had a unique ability to bring people together...
CW vs Robinson FB_9474

Casey-Westfield Dominates, Remains Undefeated with 38-14 Win Over Robinson

By Terri Cox The Casey-Westfield Warriors showcased their dominance in the second quarter, overcoming an early deficit to secure a commanding 38-14 Little Illini Conference victory over the Robinson Maroons...
WATCH: Appeals court hears gun ban today; Edgar, Kirk memorialized

WATCH: Appeals court hears gun ban today; Edgar, Kirk memorialized

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 previews some of...
lake land college.1

Lake Land College Adopts Stricter Hazing Policy in Line with New Federal Law

Article Summary: Lake Land College has updated its Student Code of Conduct to include more stringent anti-hazing rules, a move mandated by the recently enacted federal Stop Campus Hazing Act....