CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 23rd, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, September 23 rd ,
2025, at City Hall, 538 Wabash Avenue. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at
7:00 P.M. Answering to roll call were Aldermen Smith, Roberts, Steinkamp, Long,
Biondolino and Walker. City Treasurer Pam Edris was also present.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the regular
meeting minutes of September 9 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Clerk Roberts reported that the Council needs to discuss the Tax Levy. Alderman
Walker reported that the Finance Committee will discuss the levy at the next meeting.
City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties.
Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that AEC, LLC has issued an extension to
the IEPA to review the submitted Permits. The IEPA to this point has still not reviewed
the July 13, 2022; January 17, 2023; July 14, 2023; July 15, 2024; April 11, 2025; or July
15, 2025 Supplemental Permits. The Council would like Clerk Roberts to determine
what the repercussions would be for not issuing extensions to the IEPA in the future.
Alderman Biondolino also reported that 4 additional security cameras have been ordered
and delivered to City Hall. They will be installed soon.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Biondolino to
approve renewal of the City Employee’s Health Insurance plan. All six Aldermen voted
“yes”.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that the Water Plant is functioning much better
after the recent repairs. Also, the well drilling has reached the underground aquifer.
Cahoy has submitted a pay request in the amount of $278,119.02.
Motion was made by Alderman Long, seconded by Roberts to approve payment to Cahoy
Pump Services for Well Drilling in the amount of $278,119.02. All six Aldermen voted
“yes”.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that Benton Engineering has submitted an
agreement for additional engineering that was required due to all of the issues at the
water treatment plant and new deep well. This agreement is for additional engineering in
the amount of $30,000.00.

Motion was made by Alderman Long, seconded by Smith to approve signing the Benton
Engineering agreement for the amount of $30,000 for additional engineering. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that the Street Superintendent would like to
research the possibility of preparing a salt brine to aid with snow removal. He needs to
discuss this option with the companies that are bidding salt for the City before a decision
can be made on the salt bids. He also reported that the Street Department has been
working on culverts and other ditch work, they have also recently repaired the alley next
to the middle school.
The Council discussed the possibility of establishing a Public Works Director position
and hiring an individual to fill that position.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Steinkamp to move to executive
session to discuss the Public Works Director position. All six Aldermen answered “aye”
in approval.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to leave executive session.
All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve hiring Rich
Sealock as the interim Public Works Director to start on Monday, September 29 th with an
annual salary of $62,000.00. Also, to advertise for the position in the local paper and ask
for applications to be submitted at City Hall by October 10 th . All six Aldermen voted
“yes”.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Smith, seconded by Roberts at 8:10 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 22nd, 2025   Minutes

The Special Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Monday, September 22 nd ,
2025, at City Hall, 538 Wabash Avenue. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at
7:00 P.M. Answering to roll call were Aldermen Smith, Roberts, Long, Biondolino and
Walker. City Treasurer Pam Edris and Alderman Steinkamp were absent.
The Council discussed the changes that had previously been suggested by the Legislative
Committee.
These changes included the wording for the position of Mayor, City Attorney, City Clerk,
Treasurer and City Aldermen. The Council would like to change the wording so that the
code book does not have to be changed each time the salary amounts for those positions
change. Also, the bond amount for the position of Mayor, City Clerk and Treasurer need
to be updated.
The Council would also like to remove the section that requires the Chief of Police and
Street Superintendent to execute a bond with the City. The Chief of Police and Street
Superintendent do not have access to City funds so a bond is not required. They would
also like to remove the section that requires the Street Superintendent to swear an oath of
office with the City.
The Council would also like to change the wording of the City Seal in the Code book. It
does not describe the current City seal. The Council would also like to remove the
section of the code book that requires the Clerk to make twelve copies of any ordinance
that is passed. The Clerk provides copies of any ordinance currently but having twelve
copies available is excessive and wasteful.
The Council would like to add in a section that provides for and explains the position of
Public Works Director. The City is currently looking into filling this position and would
like it in the code book to properly define the position.
The Council would like to change the wording of the members of the Board of Health.
The Code currently requires a physician to be on the Board. However, the change would
state that a professional personnel would be included with the board as required. The
code book also states that the Board would be permitted to enter any premises or building
within the City but the Council would like to add that the Board of Health would be
permitted to enter any premises of building in the City with judicial mandate. The
Council would also like to change that if a professional personnel is required then the
City would provide compensation to that individual for each date of service.

Alderman Smith reported that he will get a sample code to replace the current Emergency
Services and Disaster Agency section of the code book. He had previously looked at the
Macomb Code book and thought that it would be a good section to work off of.
The Council would like to change the wording of the Planning Commission section. The
current code states that 9 citizens of the City will be appointed to the board. The Council
would like to structure it so that the members of the board consist of 1 member from each
of the following: Chamber of Commerce, each school, the Library District, Park District,
Kibbe Museum, Hospital and then the final two would be Head of Public Works, and
Head of Public Safety.
The Council would also like to make it so that each member of the Planning Commission
would be compensated for each date of service, this would exclude the two members of
the City Council as they are not allowed to be paid in addition to their Committee and
Council pay. The Council would also like to have wording that provides for the Planning
Commission to establish a comprehensive plan.
The Council would like to remove the section of the code book that covers expenditures
for the Planning Commission. This was initially implemented when the planning
commission was originally established to provide for a secretary or staff members if they
are needed. This is no longer required and can be removed.
Alderman Smith reported that Chapter 4: Fair Housing is in the code books and appears
to be fine. However, the City does not currently have a fair housing board and it needs to
be established. The Council would suggest that the 7 members of the Planning
Commission that are not City Aldermen would fill the positions of the Fair Housing
Board.
The Council would like to remove the Auditorium section of the code book as the City no
longer maintains the Auditorium.
The Council would like to change the fee for solicitors. It currently states that all
solicitors will pay $100 per person for a week of soliciting on Monday thru Friday from
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They would like to change it to $200 per person for a term of 5
days from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And an additional bond will be required in the amount
of $1,000 which shall be returned to the solicitor if they have not been found to have
solicited after hours or for more days than they paid for and if they have not
misrepresented themselves as being affiliated with the City.

Alderman Smith reported that Chapter 4: Public Carriers may be removed due to the fact
that the City does not currently have any public carriers. Also a section needs to be
added for soliciting of solar panels separately from the standard solicitors and it could
replace the section that is being removed for Public Carriers. Alderman Smith is looking
at the Macomb Code book for a possible example to base the code off of.
The Council would like to add a section of the code book to regulate the licensing for the
sale of Cannabis in the City of Carthage. The City would also like to remove Chapter 9:
Cannabis Business Establishment Prohibited. This section prohibits the sale of Cannabis
in the City of Carthage and would need to be removed if the City wishes to allow the sale
of Cannabis.
The Council would also like to change the wording of the Mobile food vendors that
currently states that Mobile food vendors may not vend alcohol. They would like it to
state that Mobile food vendors may not vend alcohol without a special liquor license.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith at 8:13 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk

Sue Newell Scholarship Showcase- Planned for October 11th

Terry Newell has lined up another great cast of performers for the second annual scholarship showcase.

Artists include Brad Culpepper with a selection of operatic and show music. Bill Maakestad is a storyteller/singer who will feature the music of Johnny Cash.
Tenor Danny Lasswel  . Kirk Brandenberger, a gifted fiddle player, has won many awards including Iowa and Kentucky state championships.
The family of Colleen Newell McNulty will sing songs written by her late husband, Frank.
Performers will be accompanied by Janet Carlisle.
This show has no set ticket price, with all freewill donations going to the scholarship fund. 

WCAZ does have tickets available as do other business.  

The variety show featuring local and regional talent is a rental event hosted at the theater,
produced in memory of Newell's late wife, Sue.
“The show was a memorable event last year,” said Terry Newell, who will emcee the evening.
“The event celebrated Sue’s impact on arts and education, creating a touching community
experience with a vibrant array of talent.”
Sue Newell attended V.I.T. High School in Table Grove and graduated from Western Illinois
University in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in English and speech. She taught English,
speech, and directed the class plays for many years at Carthage High School.
Sue taught English, speech and drama at Robert Morris College in Carthage, and later
became a recruiter and director of development at Robert Morris.
She was a trainer for major corporations in Chicago in human relations, and English and
speech skills. She worked alongside Terry in a customer service business for auto dealers
and assisted Terry at Crooked Creek Art Gallery.

Dawn Weinberg-  Hancock County Ag in the Classroom Coordinator is in the studio on October events for 4H and the Illinois Extension Office

Tess Morton  with the Hanock County Health Department   with Flu Clinic Dates

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

MAYOR:
Pledge of Allegiance Approve Regular Minutes September 9, 2025
Roll Call Velvet Hanger TIF Application
Public Comments MORE Medical TIF Application
Public Works Director
CLERK:
Tax Levy Ordinance
TREASURER:

CITY ATTORNEY:
530 Wabash - Reed Building Land on end of Wabash
201 S. Scofield - Hundley Property 22 Main – David Vass
160 Prairie – Charlie Mustread 31 Randolph St. – Evela Elrod
724 Walnut – Xavier Hutchcroft 130 S. Marion – Sebastian Jemison
242 Buchanan – Michael Bennett 820 Center Street – Delia Sotelo
PUBLIC SAFETY:
Report on Fire Dept. Report on Police Body Camera Grant
PUBLIC PROPERTY:
Tree City Report Landfill Report 243 Main St.
Land Bank Community Center
Public Properties Update Asbestos Abatement
FINANCE:
Health Insurance Renewal
PUBLIC WORKS:
Building Permit report CFL Loan Program – Dearwester
New Deep Well Questover Lift Station
DNR – Spillway Salt Bids
LEGISLATIVE:
Code Book Update

Quincy BBB Don Obrien - discusses St. Louis Consumer Fraud Task Force reminds consumers to be aware of virtual vehicle vendor scams

Nauvoo Tourism Director Rebecca Williamson with tons of October Activities   in Nauvoo!

Sandburg announces 2025 summer session graduates

GALESBURG — Sandburg has announced the names of students who completed graduation requirements and graduated from the college at the end of the 2025 summer session.

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS

Abingdon — Brooklyn Pieper

Bloomington — Isabel Kersh, Kamryn Penn

Cameron — Madison Penn

Carthage — Colby Robertson, Olivia Schaller

East Peoria — Jace Wilkerson

Galesburg — Gabriel Kidder, Vasik Kadri, Sariah Simmons, Olivia Wilder, Breanna Conger, Emily Klossing, Imagin Terlikowski

Kewanee — Skylar Deakin

Lexington, Ky. — Israel Panzu

Mackinaw — Brittany Pawlak

Monmouth — Lexie Stewart, Norman Oeth, Melissa Ricca, Francisco Arteaga

Oberlin, Kan. — Addison Mathews

Rio — Timothy Sanders

Roseville — Marsha Brady

St. Augustine — Sydni Teel

Victoria — Whitney Godsil

Warsaw — Chloee McLaughlin

ASSOCIATE IN GENERAL STUDIES

Abingdon — Jaycie Squire

Galesburg — Jacob McCrery, Hailey Woodring, Madason Alvear, Titus Kimutai

Mackinaw — Brittany Pawlak

Monmouth — Alyssa Roe, Lexie Stewart, Noah Clark, Francisco Arteaga, Mary Bennett, Ashlyn Trulson, Sarah Scott

Pekin — Gracey Chatterton

Rio — Timothy Sanders, Bailey Hedrick

Roseville — Noah Huston

Spring Creek, Nev. — Kellen Seipp

Warsaw — Chloee McLaughlin

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE

Galesburg — Chase Casteel

Little York — Payten Swenson

Monmouth — Melissa Ricca

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

Business administration

Monmouth — Olivia Bundy

Wataga — Jessica Havelock

Medical assistant

Monmouth — Jenna Frieden

Mortuary science

Addieville — Jayme Stevenson

Ainsworth, Iowa — Holly Allen

Bettendorf, Iowa — Hannah Hunsaker

Galesburg — Jocelyn Behymer

Hurdland, Mo. — Zoey Rack

Keokuk, Iowa — Robin Meyers

Peoria — Garrison Geer

Rock Island — Amber Brunat

Roscoe — Samantha Johnson

Silvis — Sebastian Vollmer

CERTIFICATES

Computer support

Pekin — Timothy Goins

Medical assisting

Aledo — Paysley Carver

Cameron — Hahlay Elston

Galesburg — Paris Owens, Chris Blanco, Brooke Shafer

Knoxville — Marcey Younge

Monmouth — Jenna Frieden, Petronila Tomas Francisco

Rio — Tamra Lincoln

Practical nursing

Colchester — Sarah VanBrooker

Galesburg — Tabitha Johnson, Brooklyn Stanley, Aliyah McGee, Elizabeth Maffit

Galva — Katherine Magee, Leslie Lobas

Knoxville — Kayli Wells

Monmouth — Kaitlyn Weir

Peoria — Chawntel Gilbert, Shondrica Farmer, Tatianna Veazy, Dacoya Devine, Tiffannie Ross, Lajasmara Herron, Shanan Payton, Tracie Landrith, Shay Burns

Roseville — Christina Hicks

Stronghurst — Ashley Bowen

Toulon — Faye Koepp

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH CARTHAGE MIDDLE SCHOOL TO

PROVIDE HANDS-ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Carthage, IL – Memorial Hospital is proud to announce a new formal collaboration with Carthage Middle School, marking the first agreement of its kind to bring healthcare and life-skill education directly into the classroom. Through this partnership, Memorial Hospital staff will support elective course teachers by leading engaging sessions on a variety of real-world topics.
As part of the collaboration, Memorial Hospital will provide qualified professionals, including nurses, dietitians, healthcare experts, and administrative staff, to deliver age-appropriate lessons,  demonstrations, and interactive activities. Hospital team members will work closely with school personnel to ensure all content aligns with educational goals while allowing students to learn practical skills they can apply in their daily lives and future careers.
“How do we touch the lives of our kids?” said Ada Bair, CEO of Memorial Hospital and Hancock County Senior and Childcare Services. “When you really think about the health and wellness of our community, if we want to grow a healthier community, we have to do it with our kids.”
This collaboration represents Memorial Hospital’s continued commitment to fostering strong community partnerships and preparing the next generation for healthy, successful futures. For more information, please contact Memorial Hospital Health & Wellness Center at 217-357-6540 or visit MHTLC.ORG.

Sandburg College Dr. Jodi  Pospeschil       Oct1st  Registration  begins for Nursing , CNA and GED programs,    Food Bank availably and   Save the day for a Ag Information Clinic in December 

Sandburg TRIO SSS program awarded new 5-year grant cycle worth $1.3M

 Sandburg’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program has been awarded a new five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education worth more than $1.3 million to serve Sandburg students through the 2029-30 academic year.

TRIO SSS is part of a nationwide program dedicated to giving eligible students — particularly those who are first-generation, income-eligible or have disabilities — the support and resources they need to succeed academically and personally. Its central aim is to help these students graduate from Sandburg and smoothly transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Sandburg, which has hosted a TRIO SSS program since 1997, was one of 47 grant recipients from Illinois. TRIO programs are fully funded through grants from the Department of Education and must compete every five years for new funding. Sandburg was awarded one of 962 TRIO SSS grants from a pool of more than 1,700 applications nationwide.

Sandburg’s total award is worth $1,361,820 and will serve 140 students annually on the Galesburg campus. It will receive $272,364 per year and went into effect with the 2025-26 academic year.

During the grant cycle’s five years, Sandburg’s TRIO SSS program must meet performance objectives for graduation and transfer rates, students in good academic standing and student retention in the program. Sandburg TRIO SSS students exceeded these benchmarks in the most recent data set. In the 2023-24 academic year, 86% of participants were in good academic standing, surpassing the goal of 83%. Students also posted an 86% persistence rate (goal: 51%) and had a 64% graduation rate (goal: 40%). Even more impressive, 49% transferred with an associate degree in hand, more than doubling the program’s goal of 20%.

“We are excited for the opportunity this five-year grant gives us to continue to support our students,” said Stephen Descalzo, director of TRIO SSS at Sandburg. “Navigating the college system for the first time can be overwhelming for students and families not familiar with it. Many first-generation students experience self-doubt, feeling like they don’t belong or aren’t as prepared as their peers. This can lead to anxiety, isolation or reluctance to seek help — even when it’s available. TRIO SSS helps break down these barriers, alleviates the uncertainty and empowers students to take charge of their future.”

To be eligible for TRIO SSS, a student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled in a transfer program at Sandburg and meet one or more of the following criteria: be a first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree), meet federal income guidelines, or have a documented physical or learning disability.

TRIO SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to help students overcome economic, social, academic and cultural barriers to higher education. Since its inception in 1968, TRIO SSS has helped millions of low-income, first-generation students graduate from college and contribute to their communities and the economy. Notable alumni of the TRIO Student Support Services program include actress Viola Davis; former NASA astronauts Franklin Chang-Diaz and José Hernández; and numerous educators, business leaders and public and elected officials.

To learn more about Sandburg’s TRIO SSS program, visit sandburg.edu/TRIOSSS.

Memorial Hospital Welcomes Dr. Chimdindu Emeka to Primary Care Team

Carthage, IL – Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Chimdindu Emeka-Emeh, MD, to
Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage, where he will provide compassionate, family-focused
primary care to patients 15 years and older.
Dr. Emeka received his Bachelor of Science in Human Anatomy from the University of Calabar in Nigeria in 2015 and subsequently attended Washington University to earn his Doctorate of Medicine (MD) degree in 2021.
Before joining Memorial, Dr. Emeka gained valuable experience in a high-volume urgent care and outpatient setting, where he managed a wide range of conditions from minor injuries and acute infections to chronic disease management. His responsibilities included interpreting imaging and lab results, coordinating care with specialists, and educating patients on follow-up and preventive health measures.
Dr. Emeka’s clinical interests include family practice, urgent care, preventative care, and patient education. He was drawn to Memorial Hospital for its commitment to excellence and innovation in patient care. He looks forward to contributing to a team that values collaboration, patient safety, and community-focused care.
When not in the clinic, Dr. Emeka enjoys fitness, outdoor activities, exploring new cuisines,
gaming, and watching sports. Dr. Emeka is accepting new patients at Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage, located on the Memorial Hospital campus at 1450 North County Road 2050, Carthage, Illinois.

To schedule an appointment, call 217-357-2173. For clinic hours, visit MHTLC.org.

BBB Don Obrien is with Josh Dickman 

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CELEBRATES 75 YEARS WITH COMMUNITY 

ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Carthage, IL – Memorial Hospital is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a special community event on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM around Hartzell Lake at its campus (1454 N. County Road 2050, Carthage, IL).

The celebration will feature:

• Family-friendly activities include bounce houses, face painting, games, and a petting zoo.

• A Water Lantern Festival and Glow Walk to close the evening. Water lanterns are now available for pre-sale at MHTLC.ORG. 

• Vendor booths, food trucks, and tables with activities showcasing Memorial’s array of services and departments.   

• A short presentation at 6:00 PM prior to the water lantern festival. 

As part of the anniversary year, Memorial Hospital is sharing historical photos and stories, and offering commemorative items such as blankets, crystal ornaments, Memorial-Opoly, and rubber ducks, which are now available for sale at the hospital gift shop and will also be on sale at the event. 

About Memorial Hospital

Since its opening in 1950, Memorial Hospital has upheld a proud tradition of delivering excellent healthcare to the residents of the region. The hospital remains dedicated to excellence in patient care, combining compassionate service with community-focused innovation. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, Memorial Hospital continues to honor its past while inspiring its future.

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Pictured: Top: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Memorial Hospital in 1950. Bottom: Memorial Hospital’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new building in 2009. 

Links: https://www.mhtlc.org/about/celebrating-75-years-honoring-our-past-inspiring-our-future/ 

Sandburg’s first art show of 2025-26 features ‘Family Stuff’

GALESBURG — Sandburg’s first art show of the 2025-26 academic year features frames by award-winning veteran photographer Huang Qingjun.

Qingjun’s “Family Stuff” is in the art gallery in building D on the Galesburg campus through Oct. 11, and an opening reception for the show will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 5. The show and reception are free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are weekdays from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

A native of China who now lives in Peoria, Qingjun has made “Family Stuff” a long-term project spanning more than 20 years and including 150 photographs. In it, he gathers a family’s belongings from different spaces in their home and arranges them in one place to take a photograph with the family members. Many of the photos are taken outdoors with the home as the background.

“Ninety percent of my previous works were shot in China during a time of rapid economic development, modernization and globalization,” Qingjun said. “I used this method of staged photographs to record history. In the photos, a household’s real interior space is briefly exposed in an external space; also can be seen are environment changes, urban expansion, technological advancements and shifts in people's lifestyles. Through static documentation of the above, I create a dynamic social panorama.”

In 2022, Qingjung began photographing American families as part of his “Family Stuff” project.

“I spend a significant amount of time preparing for each photo, getting to know the story of the subjects, visiting their rooms, contemplating the concept of the shoot, and carefully selecting the items for display,” Qingjun said. “The concepts of these works cover the lifestyle of native-born Americans, immigrants' nostalgia for their homeland, as well as themes of love, work, identity, gender and the passage of time.”

Qingjun has had solo exhibitions featured in Beijing; Amsterdam; Dresden, Germany; and Nuremberg, Germany. He’s also been part of group exhibitions in Beijing; Paris; New York; Geneva; Helsinki; Bordeaux, France; and Athens, Greece.

Qingjun’s work has been featured by the New York Times and the BBC. Visit Qingjun’s website, huangqingjun.com, to learn more about him.

For more information about “Family Stuff,” contact gallery director and art program coordinator Lisa Walker at 309.341.5303 or ldwalker@sandburg.edu.