St. Jacob Hopes For Successful Christmas In The Village Dec. 1

by Stephanie Malench

ST. JACOB — The St. Jacob Village Board met on Nov. 15 for a brief meeting that focused on end of year issues. Guideon Richeson, Dawn Ross, and Tim Elliott were all absent.

Christmas in the Village is still set for December 1, but there are concerns about the success of this year’s event since Triad High School is having a Kids’ Night Out at the same time for all elementary school students in the district.

The board approved a $125 bonus for all full-time village employees and $75 for each part-time employee. For 2024, the board approved the meeting schedule, keeping the first and third Wednesdays at 6:30 pm skipping only the January 3 meeting. The village will apply for a tax levy increase in 2024 of 4.9% as in previous years.

Police Chief Gary Kukla reported there was a retail theft of a cart full of Red bull from Dollar General. 10 tickets were issued since the Nov. 1 meeting and $2,199 was collected in fines, fees, and tow releases. Kukla was also able to get an address for Steve Howe to send another certified letter regarding reimbursement for the part-time police academy.

The board also approved a request from Kukla to engage in a three-year lease for four, new, portable APX N50 police radios and associated equipment for $7,385 each year plus 7.385% interest.

The next board meeting will be Dec. 6, 2023 at 6:30 pm.