In an expeditious meeting, out in front of the Packers-Lions matchup, the Soldiers Grove Village Board heard a report from the fire department at their Thursday, Dec. 5 meeting.
Soldiers Grove Fire Chief Jeannette McCormick reported that they have members taking classes, which is going well. She said the squad had also ensured their trucks are ready for the winter and that they’d responded to 34 calls this year, so far.
“Santa’s mailbox is out in front of the village office, and the Redcoats are accepting donations through Friday, December 20,” McCormick explained. “The deadline for letters to Santa is Sunday, December 15, and that is the day we plan to go shopping.”
McCormick said that Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance at the Fire Station on Saturday, Dec. 21, from noon to 2 p.m. She said, weather permitting, the department will drive their fire engine, with Santa, around the village prior to the event at the fire station.
“We recently discussed next year’s June Fun Days, and agreed we’re going to involve more groups in order to make it bigger and better,” McCormick said. “We will reach out to Desperados, Soldiers Grove Lions, the Rod & Gun Club, Blackhawk Saddle Club, and more – anyone with ideas should contact the fire department.”
Last, McCormick reported the department had held elections last month, resulting in only two changes with Thomas McCormick elected safety officer and Joslynn McCormick elected secretary. Continuing will be Jeannette McCormick as chief, Mike Allie as assistant chief, Curt Lindsley as first captain, Anthony France as second captain, Cameron Steyer as lieutenant, and Kaitlynn Ott as treasurer.
In other business
In other business, the board:
• approved payment of an invoice in the amount of $60,800 for the Waste Water Treatment Facility upgrade
• approved Christmas bonuses in the amount of $200 apiece for village staff
• heard that the Soldiers Grove Department of Public Works had been busy with getting their equipment ready for winter, hauling sludge, taking care of a beaver issue, and decorating for Christmas.
