Mayor Searight’s report – 09/17/2024

I’m happy to report that I’ve received notifications from Congressman Bob Latta, Senators Sherrod Brown and JD Vance concerning the United States Postal Service issues that we’ve experienced in the past few months. We’ve submitted the necessary paperwork to get each one of them to represent us on this issue. These issues have affected the village daily operations and many of our residents, as many depend on good postal service. But, I must remind you that this is not a local issue, and we have no problems with the Rockford Post Office, as they are working with us. They are doing their best, but they always must do what is mandated to them by their superiors. I encourage you to contact one of the above officials and let them know how it’s affecting you.

On a much better note – this weekend one of our own residents and wife of Council President Marcas – Marian Bevington Heitkamp will be inducted in Heidelberg’s Sports Hall of Fame this Saturday. During her 4 years at Heidelberg Marian was a 23-time All-OAC honoree and 5 time All-American. She holds the school record in indoor pentathlon, outdoor 100M hurdles and the triple jump. Not to mention 3rd of all time in kills and blocks on the volleyball court at Heidelberg. Please congratulate her for such a great accomplishment and honor.

As I stated in my last report the Wastewater Treatment Pond #1 Cover project has been started and has progressed rather well. Once completed the odor from this area will be greatly reduced. However, the installation project is very labor intensive, using mostly manual labor to put it together and in place. The Village crew has been very dedicated to this project and so have several other individuals that have stopped and helped during this process. We want to thank each of them for stepping up and volunteering in helping our community. But – we are not done yet, we have a way to go in completing this upgrade. We have delayed some services due to this project, but they are not forgotten and will be addressed when the time is available. Please be patient as we work through this issue.

Tomorrow morning, we are please to have Ole’ 1820 open its doors for their first day of business at 6:30 am. Today we had the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting and we thank all that participated in it. We want to thank and welcome them to the Rockford business community and look forward to great service and food.

We want to thank everyone for their support of the Rockford Fire Department Reverse Raffle and Chicken dinner event. This is one of their fundraisers which help purchase new items for the fire services. We continually need to support all our emergency organizations, as they protect us in hours of need. Please consider volunteering for one of these if you can and make the runs, as not only does the community benefit, but you grow as a person and pride in your community.

Last, if interested in trying to reduce your monthly natural gas bill, you are invited to attend a PUCO meeting at Lima Senior High School next Monday at 6 pm. You can voice your opinion on the proposed rate increase that some say should be a decrease. I’ve been told that at least one of the PUCO commissioners will be present at that meeting. So your voice will be heard.

May God bless you all!