CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 25, 2026

MAYOR:
Pledge of Allegiance Approve Regular Minutes Aug 11, 2026
Roll Call Strong Community Grant Program
Public Comments Rick Wisehart-Nightingale Road
WIRC Recycling bill TIF – School Agreement
Jack Gronewold – Water Bill Committee Meeting – Date & Time
CLERK:

TREASURER:
CITY ATTORNEY:
Land on end of Wabash
201 S. Scofield - Hundley Property 160 Prairie – Charlie Mustread
724 Walnut – Xavier Hutchcroft 130 S. Marion – Sebastian Jemison
PUBLIC SAFETY:
Report on Fire Dept. Report on Police Report on Civil Defense
PUBLIC PROPERTY:
Tree City Report Landfill Report
Public Properties Update Land Bank – International Property Maintenance Code
Asbestos Abatement
FINANCE:

PUBLIC WORKS:
Building Permit report CFL Loan Program – Dearwester
New Deep Well Motor Fuel Tax
LEGISLATIVE:
Code Book Update Code Book Changes
Code Book Section 4-1-6: Fees
EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Groundbreaking ceremony for Charger Center on Aug. 27 at Sandburg

 Sandburg will host a ceremonial groundbreaking for the construction of the Charger Center at 4 p.m. Aug. 27 on the college’s Galesburg campus.

 

WHAT
Charger Center ceremonial groundbreaking

 

WHEN
4-5 p.m. Aug. 27

 

WHERE
Outside building G on the Galesburg campus, 2051 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Parking will be available in the lots next to building C and building G.

 

WHO
Speaking at the event will be:

• President Dr. Seamus Reilly

• Board of Trustees Chair Josh Gibb

• Student trustee and men’s soccer team member Theo Salim

 

ABOUT THE CHARGER CENTER

The Charger Center is a 70,204-square-foot athletic and conference space that will serve as the new home for Sandburg’s athletic programs and support additional academic and community use. Initial work on the project began earlier this month.

 

With an anticipated opening in late 2027, the Charger Center will include:

• Two wood-floor gymnasiums for athletic competitions and large events

• An additional gymnasium with multi-purpose flooring

• Fitness and training areas

• A golf simulator room

• An esports arena

• Multi-purpose areas

• Turf fields for baseball, softball and soccer

 

Designed by Legat Architects, the Charger Center will be located in the southeast portion of the Galesburg campus, next to building G. The front of the building will look across Tom L. Wilson Blvd. toward the rest of the Galesburg campus. Turf playing fields will be located on the south side of the Charger Center.

 

The new facility will be a dramatic upgrade from the current gymnasium, which has been the Chargers’ home since its opening in 1978, and the existing fitness center, which opened in the early 1990s. It’s the latest step in a campus master plan that has served as a roadmap for improvements and developments on Sandburg’s grounds in recent and coming years. Completed phases of the plan include the 2024 opening of the Science & Technology Center and the 2025 unveiling of the renovated Student Center.

 

The new facility also will provide more opportunities for the college to host area youth and high school teams for practices, games and tournaments. In addition to serving as an athletic space, the Charger Center will provide a venue capable of hosting large regional events such as job fairs and agriculture expos as well as the college’s annual commencement.

Whats up Doc with Dr Tom Grant- Taking care of your health

 

Community invited to walk for suicide prevention  

September 19th

A community walk to bring awareness to suicide prevention. At this event, the community can learn more about the importance of suicide prevention and how we can work together to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Saturday, September 19
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION:  Hartzell Lake 1454 N. Co. Rd. 2050, Carthage, IL 62321
Participants will meet at the pavilion at  Hartzell Lake and will be invited to walk the Evans Fitness Path together. Information about Behavioral Health Services and mental health
 will be provided at the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear the colors of purple and/or teal to honor suicide prevention and awareness. Themed T-shirts are on sale now through Rural Bliss Designs at www.ruralbliss.net/products. Part of each sale will be donated to support local mental
health programs.
 “This event is an opportunity for the
community to come together and celebrate that courage.”  
At the event, participants can sign up for a free Mental Health First Aid class scheduled for October. The
course will teach the knowledge and skills to identify a mental health challenge/crisis and how to potentially save the life of someone in need.
 

Sandburg College- Fall means a New School your and is the time to Take Charge of YOUR Future!

Find your Hidden Talent,  Kids on Campus is now ALL YEAR and Join Dr. Jodi on a Day Trip    Cantril & Harvestville Farm or   Kerstmarkt - the Dutch Christmas Market in Pella, Iowa

MTC- Communications Rachel Kern on release the Nauvoo Northside of town applications!!!!!!   Fiber Service is Ready!

 

Whats up Doc?    with Dr. Tom Grant-  Lets talk about Stress and what it does

 

A Powerball ticket sold at a gas station in western Illinois was the sole winner of the $1 billion jackpot, ending a three-month drought without a top-prize victor.

The ticket that won the jackpot Wednesday night was purchased at a Hy-Vee station in Quincy, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of the state capital of Springfield along the Missouri border, Illinois Lottery officials said. The winning numbers were 4-26-66-67-69 with the Powerball number of 9.

It wasn't immediately clear if the winner has come forward yet.

The prize comes in the form of either an annuity of $1 billion paid over 29 years or a lump-sum payment of $450.5 million. Winners almost always take the lump sum.

America's Got Talent Finalist- Joseph Hall's Elvis "Rock  "N" Remember Tribute"  In Carthage for ONE Show Only

BBB Tips: Back-to-school online safety with Don O Brien

 

Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife Friday, September 4

Carthage, IL - A community blood drive with ImpactLife from12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Friday, September 4 inside the Health & Wellness Conference Rooms.

What: Memorial Hospital Community Blood Drive
When: Friday, September 4, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: Health & Wellness Conference Rooms, 1454 N Co RD 2050, Carthage, IL
Appointments: To donate, please contact 800-747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 4157 to locate the drive.
3407 Agency Street | Burlington, Iowa | (319) 754-4611

Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available
through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about
eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before 7/10/26 are eligible to give at this
drive.
About Blood Donation: Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.
About ImpactLife: ImpactLife is a nonprofit community organization providing blood products and services to more than 100 hospitals and emergency medical service providers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, as well as researchers and resource sharing partners across the country. For more information on blood inventories, donor promotions, and more, see www.bloodcenter.org and find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.

MAYOR: 

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL 

AGENDA 

REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 11, 2026 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Roll Call 

Public Comments 

City's Utility Bills 

Rick Wischart-Nightingale Road 

Business District Ordinance 

CLERK: 

Approve Regular Minutes July 28, 2026 Approve July Budgetary Report 

Ampion Energy Agreement 

Strong Community Grant Program Water Billing 

TREASURER: 

CITY ATTORNEY: 

Land on end of Wabash 

201 S. Scofield - Hundley Property 

724 Walnut --- Xavier Hutchcroft 

160 Prairie - Charlie Mustread 

130 S. Marion - Sebastian Jemison 

PUBLIC SAFETY: 

Report on Fire Dept. 

Report on Police 

PUBLIC PROPERTY: 

Tree City Report 

Public Properties Update 

Landfill Report 

Land Bank - International Property Maintenance Code 

Asbestos Abatement 

FINANCE: 

Air Evac 

Bills 

PUBLIC WORKS: 

Building Permit report 

CFL Loan Program - Dearwester 

New Deep Well 

LEGISLATIVE; 

Motor Fuel Tax 

Code Book Update 

Code Book Section 4-1-6: Fees 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 

Code Book Changes 

... 

: 

Whats UP DOC? With Dr. Tom Grant- Stretching exercises

 

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, July 28 th , 2026, at
City Hall, 538 Wabash Avenue. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M.
Answering to roll call were Aldermen Smith, Steinkamp, Long, Biondolino and Walker.
City Treasurer Pam Edris was present. Alderman Roberts and City Attorney Tom
Hartzell were absent.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the regular
meeting minutes of July 14th. All five present Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
A public comment was made questioning the City’s burn ordinance.
Amy Graham talked about the Strong Community project and stated all 10 properties
have been identified and have been submitted. The next step will be submitting bids.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that Benton Engineering for the business district has
to do some drawings at $6,000.00.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the proposal for
engineering for the business district in the amount of $6,000. All five present Aldermen
answered “yes”.
Mayor Smith also addressed a school messenger invoice. This is an old voice message
system that was previously used for Carthage alerts. The City has recently switched to a
different company. The City did not cancel in the 60-day allotted time so the fee for the
school messenger system will have to be paid.
Mayor Smith addressed the committee about the road work that is being done by
Laverdiere. They have recently tilled up the roads. The city is currently waiting for the
state to release funds to send out bids for oil and chipping the roads that have been tilled
up.
Treasurer Pam Edris addressed the committee about current CD rates.
City Attorney Tom Hartzell submitted several notes on current properties around the city
and the status on each one to the Council before the meeting.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the 4-way stop has been completed. He also
reported that the VFW has submitted a permission form for a car show on August 22 nd .
The Council approved this request with the understanding that the street from Main to
Wabash cannot be closed and they will not be able to close Madison at all until noon.

Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Steinkamp to approve the permission
form for the car show on August 22 nd . All five present Alderman voted “yes”
Alderman Biondolino reported to the council that tree bids have been sent out. They are
being accepted until August 7 th . The City is working with Test to stock up necessary
inventory. Biondolino is currently reviewing the current contract with Test.
Alderman Biondolino will look into getting quotes for something to cool the VFD’s units.
Biondolino will also get some quotes for a larger generator and budget planning for the
future of the water plant.
Alderman Biondolino reported that the City is looking into the purchase of cameras for
the tree dump. Council may also consider larger signs or a fence to prevent some of the
illegal dumping.
Motin was made by Alderman Biondolino, seconded by Walker to purchase the camera.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to pay Alderman Roberts for
tonight’s Council meeting. All five present Alderman voted “yes”
Culvert and ditch work has started around the city.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith at 7:38 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Teena LeMaire
Deputy City Clerk

39 Chargers, all 5 Sandburg women’s teams earn NJCAA All-Academic honors for 2025-26

 Sandburg had 39 student-athletes and all five of its women’s programs earn NJCAA academic awards for the 2025-26 school year.

 

Ten Chargers student-athletes posted a perfect grade point average, highlighting the 39 Chargers who earned NJCAA All-Academic honors. On top of those individual accolades, all five Sandburg women’s sports teams — softball, volleyball, women’s basketball, women’s cross country and women’s golf — were recognized as an NJCAA Academic Team of the Year for recording a team GPA of at least 3.0.

 

Student-athletes who achieved a GPA of at least 3.60 were eligible for NJCAA All-Academic honors. In addition to the 10 Chargers who were named NJCAA All-Academic First Team for having a perfect 4.0 GPA, nine received second-team honors (3.80-3.99 GPA), and 20 earned third-team honors (3.60-3.79 GPA).

 

Eight Chargers teams had at least NJCAA All-Academic honoree. Baseball had the most recipients of any sport, with 11. Four Chargers earned NJCAA All-Academic honors for the second consecutive year.

 

Sandburg's women’s golf (3.53), women’s cross country (3.27), women's basketball (3.14), volleyball (3.13) and softball (3.07) teams were recognized as 2025-26 NJCAA Academic Teams of the Year. Squads had to attain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA to qualify for NJCAA Academic Team of the Year consideration.

 

Across the NJCAA, a total of 13,723 student-athletes were awarded all-academic honors for the 2025-26 season. The association recognized 1,446 teams as Academic Teams of the Year.

 

NJCAA ALL-ACADEMIC FIRST TEAM (4.0 GPA)

• Addison Gillen (volleyball)
• Qetsia Kamdem (women’s cross country)
• Kellan Keane (baseball)
• Antonia Kisler (women’s basketball)*
• Lakinn Larson (softball)
• Connor McLauchlan (men’s soccer)
• Caio Oliveira (men’s soccer)*
• Reese Poole (softball)
• Jessica Schultz (women’s golf)
• Allison Thome (women’s golf)

 

NJCAA ALL-ACADEMIC SECOND TEAM (3.80-3.99 GPA)

• Landon Binder (baseball)
• Braeden Brennan (men’s golf)
• Lillian Covarrubias (women’s basketball)*
• Brady Johnson (baseball)
• Anna Landis (women’s basketball)
• Macy Nolan (volleyball)
• Carter Ramsey (baseball)
• Abigail Shaffer (volleyball)
• Tieler Williams-Fouts (softball)

 

NJCAA ALL-ACADEMIC THIRD TEAM (3.60-3.79 GPA)

• Colton Allen (baseball)*
• Enrico Augusto Rola (men’s soccer)
• Diego Branco (men’s soccer)
• Braley Burford (baseball)
• Carter Chapin (baseball)
• Sheila Cheruiyot (women’s cross country)
• Sergio Cruz (men’s soccer)
• Mateo Figueroa (men’s soccer)
• Jaylynn Hamilton (softball)
• Marrion Kemboi (women’s cross country)
• Madalynn Knapp (volleyball, softball)
• Valentin Kretschmer (men’s soccer)
• Ben Marvel (baseball)
• Brady Peterson (baseball)
• Linus Richtberg (men’s soccer)
• Brayden Schleich (men’s golf)
• Damien Snell (baseball)
• Emiliano Sosa (men’s soccer)
• Dillon Steelman (baseball)
• Abigail Strode (women’s golf)

 

NJCAA ACADEMIC TEAM OF THE YEAR (MINIMUM 3.0 GPA)

• Women’s golf (3.53)
• Women’s cross country (3.27)
• Women’s basketball (3.14)
• Volleyball (3.13)
• Softball (3.07)

 

(* denotes two-time NJCAA All-Academic honoree)

New Earn as You Learn Grant provides eligible Sandburg students up to $4K as they work toward degree

 A new grant opportunity through the Sandburg Foundation will provide adult learners with funds as they work toward earning their degree from Sandburg.

 

The Earn as You Learn Grant is an incentive-based program that supports nontraditional students enrolled in Sandburg’s Charge Forward program. The grant — supported by a partnership between the Sandburg Foundation and the G.L. Vitale Family Foundation — removes financial barriers for these students and supports their progress from enrollment through completion of their associate degree.

 

Earn as You Learn will provide up to $4,000 per recipient to eligible Charge Forward students age 24 and older. Grant support may assist with education-related and everyday-living expenses that can arise as students balance coursework, employment, family responsibilities and other personal obligations.

 

Funds will be awarded after the 10th day of each semester and 10 days after graduation. Recipients will be awarded $750 in each of the first two semesters, $1,000 in the third and fourth semesters and $500 upon completing their degree.

 

Sandburg’s Charge Forward program offers a unique opportunity for students to complete their Associate in Arts degree by attending classes just one night a week for two years. Students go through a structured 24-month academic plan built around eight-week blended courses. Charge Forward’s fixed schedule makes it ideal for students who are already in the workforce or need to balance family obligations.

 

“We know there are many adults who’d love to go back to school to earn a degree or work toward a new career, but all too often they’re held back by two obstacles: time and money,” said Gabi Hurtado, director of admissions. “With the Charge Forward program and now Earn as You Learn, we’re making it easier for students to clear hurdles that may have stopped them in their tracks before. Having this program and this grant in place makes it easier for people to attend Sandburg and enhance their education.”

 

Charge Forward participants also have access to the full array of services available to all Sandburg students, including free online and in-person tutoring, academic advising, financial aid, disability support, student life events and student leadership opportunities. Learn more about the Charge Forward program at sandburg.edu/chargeforward.

 

In addition to funds through Earn as You Learn, students could be eligible for state and federal financial aid or assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which helps job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market. Learn more about WIOA, and complete this form to determine your eligibility. 

 

Fall semester classes at Sandburg start Aug. 24. For questions or more information about Charge Forward or Earn as You Learn, contact the Admissions office at 309.345.3500 or admissions@sandburg.edu.

Whats UP DOC? With Dr. Tom Grant- Friendly Tips

 

Road Closure

Road Closure for July 28th, 6:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m.

1000 North (Bently Blacktop) between 2400 East and Route 61 at Colmar.

Hancock County Farm Bureau, Richlyn Hoener - Fuel Days, Ag Golf and the Fall Trip sign up

 

Hancock County Health Department, Marylin Fox R.N.  on the WIC Program

 

Whats UP DOC? With Dr. Tom Grant- Healthy Eating on a Budget

 

97 Chargers earn Academic All-Arrowhead Conference honors for 2025-26

 

GALESBURG — Sandburg had 97 student-athletes who earned Academic All-Arrowhead Conference honors in the 2025-26 academic year.

 

All 11 Sandburg teams had at least one player named academic all-conference. Twelve Chargers recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA, and three student-athlete honorees participated in multiple sports.

 

Baseball had the most representatives of any Sandburg squad, with 29 members. Women’s basketball had 10 Academic All-Arrowhead recipients to lead Sandburg's women's teams.

 

Student-athletes had to earn at least a 3.0 grade point average and meet credit hour requirements to be considered for Academic All-Arrowhead status.

 

The following Sandburg student-athletes earned 2025-26 Academic All-Arrowhead Conference honors:

 

Baseball
Colton Allen
Drey Anderson
Landon Binder
Tucker Bond
Braley Burford
Carter Chapin
Elliott Copeland
Shane Correll
Parker Dickinson
Jacob Evans
Dawson Fenton
Nathan Hill
Brady Johnson
Connor Johnson
Kellan Keane
Kody Knecht
Ethan Krei
Dayton Lundstrom
Ben Marvel
Ayden Mendoza
Cruz Paredes
Drake Paul
Brady Peterson
Carter Ramsey
Owen Rigg
Damien Snell
Dillon Steelman
Braxton Thompson-Godoy
Tucker Vandewostine

 

Esports
Bishop Kyser
Austin Ullrich
Karleigh Whiteside

 

Men’s basketball
James Blackwell
Griffin Briles
Rylan Carton
Ashton Grieves
Larry Olivier Jr.
Lewis Siegfried

 

Men’s cross country
Jeff Kipkorir
Finn Martin
Dylan Moore

 

Men’s golf
Braeden Brennan
Blake Harvey
Brayden Schleich

 

Men’s soccer
Enrico Augusto Rola
Diego Branco
Teigan Conboy
Jaime Cortadi
Sergio Cruz
Luis Egea
Mateo Figueroa
Hugo Flores
Iker Garcia
Kokou King
Valentin Kretschmer
Jaime Martin Caballero
Connor McLauchlan
Tyrese Ogbonnia
Caio Oliveira
Linus Richtberg
Emiliano Sosa

 

Softball
Jordyn Climer
Jaylynn Hamilton
Lakinn Larson
Reese Poole
Hannah Pyle
Emma Racke
Tieler Williams-Fouts

 

Volleyball
Taliya Galloway
Addison Gillen
Macy Nolan
Quinn Rexroat
Abigail Shaffer

 

Women’s basketball
Abbie Ackers
Cameron Anderson
Lajaya Angel
Camryn Atterberg
Lillian Covarrubias
Tiera Hall
Paige Huffman
Antonia Kisler
Anna Landis
Janessa Wallace

 

Women’s cross country
Sheila Cheruiyot
Qetsia Kamdem
Marrion Kemboi
Linda Koech
Abigael Maiyo
Grace Maiyo

 

Women’s golf
Anna Carroll
Jessica Schultz
Olivia Seei
Abigail Strode
Allison Thome

 

Multiple sports
Arthur Costa (men’s soccer, esports)
Jalie Eller (volleyball, softball)
Madalynn Knapp (volleyball, softball)

Sandburg Foundation’s 50 Alumni, 50 States project wins bronze in CASE Circle of Excellence Awards

 The Carl Sandburg College Foundation has received national recognition for an alumni engagement initiative. 

 

The foundation’s 50 Alumni, 50 States project was named a 2026 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence Awards winner, earning a bronze award in the Alumni Relations Initiatives (Less Than 10 Staff) category. 

 

The goal of 50 Alumni, 50 States is to connect with at least one alumnus from each state and share their journey from Sandburg to where they are today. Targeted social media posts directed individuals to complete a survey where they could share their state and upload a photo to complete a US map featuring some of Sandburg’s 66,000-plus alumni.

 

In highlighting these alumni, the campaign celebrates successes, builds engagement and showcases the contributions Sandburg alumni make across the nation. It’s even helped identify some alumni who have gone on to be nominated by the Sandburg Foundation for awards.

 

“We’re beyond honored to receive this recognition by CASE for our 50 Alumni, 50 States project,” Sandburg Vice President of Advancement Eric Johnson said. “Our Sandburg Foundation team deserves loads of credit for developing this idea and putting in the work to make it a successful piece that highlights just how far and wide our Sandburg alumni network reaches. We also are grateful to our alumni who have taken part in this project for allowing us to share their successes and shine a spotlight on the great accomplishments they’ve achieved in their time after Sandburg. Without them, this project isn’t possible.”

 

So far, 94 alumni from 29 different states have been featured through the project. To learn more about the initiative or to make a submission to add your name to the map, visit sandburg.edu/50alumni50states.

 

“This submission was recognized for its creative approach to alumni engagement and its strong potential as a model for other institutions,” contest judges said about the 50 Alumni, 50 States initiative. “Judges appreciated how the initiative adapted an existing concept into a low-cost, high-impact campaign that encouraged broad alumni participation with little barrier to entry. Its strong visual presence across multiple platforms helped demonstrate the reach of the alumni community while also supporting recruitment, volunteerism and social media engagement. The committee valued the way this initiative extended beyond traditional giving-day strategies to create meaningful connection across all 50 states.”

 

The CASE Circle of Excellence Awards serve as the premier recognition program for the educational advancement sector. This year’s CASE Circle of Excellence Awards saw 4,185 submissions from 628 institutions in 33 countries. To learn more about the CASE Circle of Excellence Awards, visit case.org/circle.

Don  O'Brien  with the Better Business Bureau - Talking about signing up for youth sports programs (travel teams)

 

River Bend Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry  July 26th !   Hancock County Extension Building