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Local News
Rockford Village Council meeting for this week
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS:
Council called to order by Mayor Searight on September 16, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray - Thank you, God, for all that you do for Rockford. For the chance to discuss the village’s needs and issues that we have. We ask you to guide us through this meeting as well. We ask all these things in your Holy name. Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Shane Young , Chris Heitkamp
Also attending: Francis Schaffner, Robbie Peel, Chief Stetler, Ross Finke,
Erin -from the Daily Standard.
Motion Luke, Second Marcas, Shane to accept the agenda as orders of the day. Luke = y, Marcas =y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Luke toaccept the minutes from the September 2, 2025 council meeting as presented. Second Marcas. Shane called for the question. Luke = y, Marcas = y, Shane = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
Noted Mayors Court pay in and bank statement.
I hope you’re enjoying the weather as it has just been amazing and wonderful. I see more people out walking now and enjoying golf cart rides and just seeing a lot of people outside doing things. Now is the time to be getting ready for the cooler months ahead. As this weather doesn’t last forever and if you’re anything like me, I really don’t prefer to do much outside when it’s cold.
So, with that make sure you have your windows and doors ready for the winter, so you don’t have a cold draft that makes you uncomfortable. Preventing them reduces your energy bill as well as staying warmer. Check your foundation for holes as well, as holes allow cold air and cause your pipes to freeze. It also makes your floor colder as well. Holes also allow unwanted rodents to live inside your home and can create health concerns. Check your furnace as well, as it’s not a bad idea to have it professionally inspected before the first cold wave comes in. If you really give it some thought there’s probably many other items that may be done before we get that cold snap, just take a look and think about it.
Last months Mayor Report, I received some feedback on one item that’s going to be reviewed again. Unfortunately, the feedback wasn’t good either, as one person almost hit a child on an electric scooter soon after that report was broadcast. The car driver had to slam on the brakes and just came inches away from hitting that child and this happened at the 4-way stop at the corner of US 33 & St Rt 118. To add to it, the person driving the car had secondary thought as they hoped the car behind them had seen the sudden stop and wasn’t going to rear ended them creating another hazard. So, if you the parents don’t have a conversation with your child or they don’t listen, the police will be talking to you as well as your child. This needs to stop and stop now before someone gets hurt or even worse.
To add to that we live in a community where up to 6,000 or more vehicles travel through this village daily. Some of those people that are traveling through may not have your best interest in hand, so please take the necessary precautions to avoid any loss or unwanted visitors. If you see something that seems suspicious, call 911 and get an officer to check it out.
We have a lot going on in this community and we need to take care of our own.
Let’s make Rockford the best it can be, as we work together to make this happen.
Thank you.
Give more than you take and you’ll receive more than you gave.
God Bless you, Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Sunday – September 21st – Maker’s Market – MAIN ST – noon to 3 pm
Saturday – October 4th – Lions Club – 31 Bingo --- Community Building
Sunday – October 5th – Maker’s Market – MAIN ST -- noon to 3 pm
Saturday – October 25 – Rocktoberfest – noon – 4 pm
Saturday – October 25 – Trick or Treat – 5 – 6:30 pm
Saturday – October 25th – Costume Judging – Fire Department – 7 pm
Tuesday – November 4 – General Election, Community Building
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple - absent
Report by Mayor Searight
Thanks for understanding my recent absence at council meetings. It’s important for me to be at my daughter’s athletic events through her senior year.
Shanes Park to do list ---- started with 16 items. We have completed 8. We may be able to get to 2 or 3 more by the end of the year. If you have suggestions or concerns involving the park, please reach out so we can get the items taken care of as soon as possible. Splash pad will be closed up for the year next week.
We are planning new water lines and sidewalks around the restrooms to improve the restroom reconstruction project. The pavilion at the pond – finishing up the work and hope to have completed by the end of the month.
WWTP --- waiting to hear back from Access regarding the UV upgrade. We may need to do some additional research --- we need this project completed by April of next year.
Franklin St ---- street lighting is an issue. Only 2 lights were removed during the project but it seems like more --- there are areas that are extremely dark. We are looking at cost for adding addition lights and/or another option is some decorative lights similar to Shanes Crossing Subdivision.
More updates at the next meeting.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Shane Young -
Motion Shane to pay bills as presented $35,121.80. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Shane to accept the Mayors Court pay in $ 106. Second Chris. Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Chris = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y. Passed 6 yes.
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Service Committee: Mary Beougher
For the time being --- when the Shelter House or Pavilion is rented we need a sign that states “RESERVED” and the date until we come up with a more permanent plan.
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
Visitor to address Council:
Old Business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned at 7:42 pm
