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Almost 2 weeks and no complaints. Everyone feeling ok?
Is city hall open this week? I call and no one ever answers. Leave message and no return call.
They are probably taking advantage of all those vacation days they get…. IT’S A JOKE!! Tax payer dollars are wasted!!!
Tax dollars and government jobs equal waste. The best thing i heard is that state and federal VA disability money is planning on changing. They are being overwhelmed by people claiming sleep apnea and arthritis as disability (which is the governments fault from the first place of allowing them), but then still working full time while getting $$$. There is going to be a large percentage of the $$$ going to go to EBT cards. That way, the people that really need the money to live are going to be able to use it on things like food and essentials. They are also working on doing an adoption on the tax laws since the schools miss out on some much revenue. They are waking up!
I see Mascoutah has been replacing or laying new sidewalks around town. But for some crazy reason instead of removing anything that’s on the easement, they been going around these obstacles. Who came up with this idea?? No other leaders of our neighboring towns show there incompetence, why do we show ours?
what are they going around?
Trees, fences, standing dogs.
Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!
Did the city get blue light specials on the blue street lights?
Notice how the Mascoutah Band Drumline does a send off for the sports team, but they never attend a competition or watch the halftime show as a group? Maybe this can change in the fall. It would be fantastic for the school to provide a fan bus to one of the band,’s competitions.
What size bus would be needed??
I would depend on how many fans would sign up.
Here we go again. Want your participation trophy too?
According to the Mascoutah City Staff directory on the website, Cody Hawkins is the new City Manager??? When did this happen?
There is a story on here. Previous was fired and he was hired for the short term. (Believe 6 months)
wasn’t fired.
Another example of the bad being covered up and not dealt with properly.
Why did this recent City Manager get fired? All I heard was she didn’t leave her office much, wasn’t personable, & screwed up some bid processes. Was she even qualified in the first place? Another cousin of a councilmen? Haha. Once again, another bad decision by the boys on council, & the ladies upstairs. Drama.
Wasn’t there a search committee?
The search committee didn’t want her!!!
I heard that too. So the mayor hand picked her? Really questioning our mayor as now 2 firings in 3 years? Maybe time for a one an done mayor
She got fired for the same reason, your corrupt, inept Mayor and Council. The Mayor is the worst and the council follows his lead. They are all cowards and hide behind their title and seem to only want what they desire, not the needs of the city or its citizens. They should be ashamed of what they’ve done to this city in the last two years. They are political leaders and know squat about leading and managing a city or the employes. Personal agendas rule without the intelligence to make sound decisions or deal with people. And now they hire an old friend who always kissed their you know what. It’s disgusting to see this go on, no honesty, no integrity.
Mascoutah doesn’t have the market on inept city government. Lebanon is a total mess. The Mayor is too afraid to address employees or citizens and lets the city attorney run everything and do her dirty work. She lies to the public and acts like she isn’t involved. Well, why aren’t you? A few aldermen speak up but most just sit idly by and let this travesty go on.
I drove through Lebanon last night and they had their Christmas lights on already. Really?? Talk about rushing things! It’s not even Halloween!
It gets earlier every year. I worked retail in college in the early 90’s, Christmas decorations were up AFTER Thanksgiving.
kinda sounds like you should run for mayor seeing how you got all the answers,as the saying goes,put up or shut up
Who would you rather see as mayor? Why?
Salaries, City of Mascoutah. Why hasn’t City Hall updated their website regarding their yearly salaries? It’s public knowledge. Last one available was ‘19. We are approaching 2024. Seems fishy. Not very transparent.
This same thing was brought up a few months ago. The city said at that time “you can get it if you come up to the clerk and ask for it”. That’s not how that is supposed to work. The state statute says “posted on the website”, not “hidden until you come up us to try to obtain that information. Every town around here has no issues posting theirs ON THEIR WEBSITES, so I agree, it looks really suspicious.
Nepotism. Waste. Inflated excess salaries w/ little results. Those would be my guesses as to why the City Clerk, Finance Coordinator, & Treasurer are not posting. Mayor & Council should be ashamed. Do your job. It’s very simple.
Mayor pay 800.00 per month council 400.00
50% of the town doesn’t pay taxes and live off government well fair driving SUV’s and BMWs. No, not jealous, sick of the entitlement. If you went to war, deserved, if not, welfare!
The statute says post on the website or post a physical copy at the principal office. I’ve been to city hall and nothing is posted. Why is it such a secret?
Obviously because all of the City officials are secretly paying themselves double their public salaries. C’moan people. Try to resist the conspiracy theories. A simple phone call would probably clear this up.
Welcome to Mascoutah Illinois!
Heard Cody Hawkins is coming back as the city manager… the city is corrupt and it’s EXTREMELY concerning.
We have a new leader in the “Most Inane and Misdirected Post” contest. Congratulations!
Why do entiled people think they can bully you and threaten to sue you, when they family caused the issue?
Cause they believe that they are better than other people and they can do no wrong. They think that they we perfect.
I don’t know the answer. But I did notice the contractors on the 6th street job washed out some concrete equipment and sprayed our “welcome to mascoutah” sign with concrete mix. I’d volunteer to clean it but it looks like it might need a professional. I hope the city holds someone accountable.
Please share more.
I agree, Entitled ??
Please help me understand who I’m reference is entitled. I instantly think of the non-war vets that snore and have arthritis, but get treated like homeless starving children. If we aren’t talking about those entitled, who? It here are definitely locals with business and politics that are entitled. Just a hint lol
Ok we get it. Your jealous you don’t get extra money like the disabled. Your homeless comment makes no sense.
No one is Jealous,more like disgraced. Do we get jealous when we see people on welfare, no. We just think it’s sad and disgusting when they abuse the system so feel like they achieved something in life. Save the money for those truly hurt and/or actually went to a war. It’s not jealousy , it’s sad how you think that way vs. understanding government welfare.
This person not jealous, they’re just telling it like it is!!
Wow! How do some people really think they are better or entitled. We are ALL the same!! No one is better, we are all human.
How able the ones that brag that they have money and donate to an organization and say you do what I say, because I donated the money. Many individuals can’t donate money, they donate their time, which is better than money.
So right on! Volunteers are the best & their time is appreciated!
There is always at least one person or family like that. I know one for my kids activity.
Since no one will answer any more info I got to believe they have no clue either. Typically Mascoutah whiners.
I know. I guess the entitled family does not want to damage their “good” reputation, but they do not have a problem damaging another person’s reputation
Sounds like a better question to ask the family
Who? Need more meat to this story.
I don’t know because I don’t know but seems like the folks being bullied would take it up with the so called bully’s rather than trying to settle it on a public forum or is that too adult like?
Want more details on this, what happened?
Is a occupancy permit needed to live in Mascoutah?
Yes. Also a good question you should be going to city hall for
Yeah, it’s concerning that you choose Sound Off for this information, instead of calling City Hall. Perhaps you should get an occupancy permit from another community.
Maybe the person didn’t know where to ask the question. No need to say something negative.
Thanks for the kind word, but I only ask because I heard Mascoutah do have occupancy permits but, I know no one that ever got a permit to live in Mascoutah. Pay to live here?? ha
Would like to know how they got around the rule. Maybe the seller got it before listing the house so they have one but didn’t get it themselves
They’re not dumb enough to pay to live here. That’s how.
We are screwed. No managers.
WHAT???
We haven’t had a qualified manager since Cody left. Council needs to step up. Time to clean house.
Excuse me.
Cody is the reason the electrical update will break the bank.
He was another in a long line that was good on promises but never delivered.
Electrical update??
Still waiting on what electrical update you’re talking about. Or do you even know what you’re talking about??
Your requirements for “qualified” must be pretty low.
It has been nice having a 2nd concession stand at the football games. Great job Band Boosters!
Where is the 2nd one at? The line is stupid long at the main one
Other side of the bleachers.
Thanks!
It was nice to have some different options. Loved the hamburgers and hot dogs.
Great job to the Mascoutah Band Boosters for hosting a tailgate party for HighSchool and 8th grade members and their family before Friday’s home game. Too bad the was a van and truck blocking the food line. Made it very difficult to move through the line.
There is always one person that has to be difficult.
Good to see the former volleyball coach is fighting back against the power/money grab
How do you know he is telling the truth?
How do you know the Junker’s were telling the truth???? They didn’t win or get a bunch of money… so that should tell you something!!
Right!?
How do you know the original accuser is telling the truth?
How do you know he wasn’t telling the truth?
The volleyball coach is suing for emotional distress, and talked about how awful all this was for his family, but this counter lawsuit only gives more publicity to the first lawsuit. Most people probably have forgotten about the first lawsuit, why file a suit and dredge it all up again?
To rectify what these people have done to him and his family. They attempted to drag his name through the mud, tarnish his reputation, and ruin his future.
Let’s also not forget that the herald had no reason to publicize his place of employment on multiple occasions. What a joke of a “newspaper” this is.
The newspaper is a joke because it reported the news? Am I missing something?
No but they can can be more responsible with reporting. Why drag current employer into something. Completely useless
When I drive north on route 4 leaving town, and as I pass the car wash and see all of those large steel poles along route 4 it reminds me of some type of industrial wasteland from a movie.
Agreed. Should have buried like modern communities too. Regardless of expense.
Mascoutah probably couldn’t afford to bury that high of voltage lines. Very rare to find those buried except maybe in large cities with no other option.
It is sad what our major and city council allowed. Great legacy your leaving. Last major screwed us with ignorant power contracts.
The last mayor had nothing to do with the power screwing we’re getting. It happen back in the 60’s.
Two completely different items
Looks as stupid as those light poles on main street by the 4 way.
Does anyone else find it funny that a company comes to town with fiber optic internet which is far superior to cable and cheaper, so Charter’s response is to increase the cost of their inferior product. I am definitely switching to the fiber optic
Good luck with that. For the price at the same speeds is higher for fiber.
Charter doesn’t offer speeds anywhere near as fast as fiber optic. Don’t see how you think it’s the same speed as fiber. Basic internet for Charter is now $85 monthly. What speed is it? 300-400 Mbps? And the upload speed is almost nothing. Fiber optic 500 Mbps is $50 monthly and the upload is also 500 Mbps (about 25 times faster than Charter. The one GB internet speed is only $70 monthly.
Please explain? Charter can’t touch fiber speeds
Most people don’ t believe unless they do it the hard way. So get fiber, you’ll see.
Almost everyone I know who got the fiber loves it. So?
After all the fluff and preparation for road construction on 6th Street, it is an utter failure that after a hand full of asphalt patches, the job is considered complete. There are a significant number of road joints still needing repairs that are destroying vehicles. I’ve spent nearly $110 in suspension repairs over the past couple years. It’s about time our city administration got the proper authorities (city/ county/ state/ federal) involved to repair it properly. Where are those infrastructure funds Joe promised?
What part of 6th street are you talking about?? I haven’t seen anything as bad as you describe. It definitely needs major repair.
It’s a state highway. Now much the the city can do. Have you seen how well our state government works ? Maybe drive slower or take another route
I agree slow down or get new shocks
There is nothing wrong with what the poster said. The road has sucked for the past two or three years. When they cut the joints and used CEMENT to fill the joints it was a a lasting and good repair. I drive the road several times a day and if the job is INCOMPLETE, IT SUCKS. Cars with low profile tires, like that majority are now, send a jolt through the suspension.
For what people pay and for this being a major thoroughfare in to this town, it’s a pathetic experience. I remember reading how other towns gave us the “biz” for not having paved roads. Well 6th street only exemplifies the old days.
And no, I should not have to drive 30 mph on the road to make it better. Mascoutah collects a lot more taxes than to have that pathetic road. If the state doesn’t want to pay it, then Mascoutah should…
Then those will complain using city funds for a state project. Mascoutah has enough of its own road projects to do.
It’s hard to slow down when people who drive trucks are always close to your bumper!!
Not just trucks
Yes! Why do drivers feel the need to speed?
I know, people always like to blame the trucks first .
The reason for blaming trucks is because they can do more damage to a small vehicle than another small car. Plus people who drive trucks act like bullies to other drivers.
Not all people who drive trucks are bullies. But the one’s that are bullies make it look like all drivers whom drive trucks are bullies also.
Funny how uneducated many are about trucks
You must be a truck driver!
So if you drive a truck your a bully?? How old are you people? Shouldn’t you be in bed at this hour?
Just tell the state you are an entitled vet that snores or has arthritis, they will replace and pay you to drive in it. We wonder why we are so broke.
Maybe you’re broke. The rest of us are doing fine.
Far from broke. I’ve just earned my money. Don’t need to be a welfare case.
Then why would you say we are so broke??? Another whiner with no facts.
Let’s just say we all are getting by. With all the price hikes on everything not just food, money we work hard for goes so much faster.
Welcome back!!! Been a while since you bashed our Veterans. Glad to see you haven’t changed.
Oh, I love our veterans, I am one. Just not the entitled ones. Need to take care of the war vets and true wounded. We all know who is a real pile of trash.
Great game last night. Band and Colorguard half time was awesome. I thought the school colors were purple and white, not black.
It was a good show. Just hope they are more considerate of the fans and maybe have backdrops already on the field on the south end so don’t block views. Wasn’t very planned out and blocked view of many fans
The show is meant to be watched from the bleachers not the end zone fence
That has nothing to do with that comment. The comment was about the band was blocking views of the games while moving banners. Why not put banners on south end where no one is?
South end?? That side gets way more traffic then the north end.
What games do you go to that the south end gets more traffic? Main entrance is at the north end and pass gate was even just moved there
Who ever takes care of the grounds at the high school, you’re doing a great job. Looks very clean and the edging is very tight. You should be proud of yourself.
I was recently at WalMart and a lady wanted to sign me up for a program to reduce my Amerindian electric bill. As soon as I said I live in Mascoutah she said I was ineligible for the program because of the electric co-op in Mascoutah. She then told me people are very displeased with this co-op arrangement. What co-op is she talking about?
The people to blame are probably dead by now. And now their decision back then are haunting us. Thank God for cell phones. Or it would cost long distance to call anyone beyond 15 miles from town. High end stupidity was here back then.
Nope, it’s our old mayor and he is alive. Some of the city council members are still on board. They were and still aren’t qualified to represent us.
wow these days everything seems to be possible. I went to the mayor that was main part of these problems funeral in 1994. I guess he faked his death.
The contract with IMEA was signed way before Mayor Daugherty. The contract was signed into effect until 2035.
Those members on the city council look great for being in there 90’s. What’s there secret??
What’s makes them unqualified?
I would think it’s obvious by decisions made that affect us, yet our voices never really being heard. Fake town meetings to hear our opinions on decisions, yet the decisions are made before hand. Terrible!!
If I’m not mistaken, Mascoutah’s electric rates are now cheaper than Amerens.
Wrong
Wrong? Find any ameren user and ask them. then find a mascoutah user, compare their total bills, per kw used, mascoutah is cheaper
Just wondered how the citizens of Mascoutah think about the heat🤔 Didn’t someone say it’s been mild this summer?? How do you like it now? Mild enough for you??
True, besides this week it’s been a wonderfully mild summer.
Sorry while I LOL🤣
Mascoutah does have a lot of special people in it.
Why would you laugh at yourself for being wrong???
who would have thought that it would be hot in August
Who is laughing at themselves?? They were laughing at others!!
The media keeps saying how the temps won’t get out of the low to mid 80’s this week. How can they say that when the scientific community says this is the hottest summer ever??
I think the lady at WalMart was simply confusing her terminology. It’s not a Co-Op in the traditional sense. Consumers in Mascoutah don’t buy the electricity directly from Ameren, that’s all she meant. I am no expert, particularly as it relates to public opinion on utility rates but, I’d be hesitant to give a whole lot of thought regarding residents’ displeasure in the “Co-Op” to a lady peddling electric discount programs at WalMart. Just my 2 Kilowatts, though.
Not sure why so many want a Taco Bell in town. I say aim a little higher as in having a Del Taco (they still serve the old Naugles menu). And put it in the area where Domino’s is located. It would make more money being near the interstate
Nothing came near to a Naugles . I miss it
Del taco and Naugles are basically the same. And Yes! A Del taco would be over the top and welcomed by the people who know the two.
“Did Del Taco used to be Naugles?
Naugles – Wikipedia
Naugles merged with Del Taco in 1988 when businessman Anwar Soliman purchased both companies at nearly the same time. A few of the Naugles menu items, such as those with the “Macho” designation, found their way into the regular Del Taco menu.”
Mascoutah is in a electrical Co-Op out of Kentucky(I think but maybe Tenn.) Anyway that is why Mascoutah electric is lower than Amirian. Years ago Mascoutah had a power plant that would start up to supply extra electric as required by the Co-Op.I know A LOT of people that don’t think it is low but I know more with Amirian that have budget billing and still have $500 to $600 power bills as they can’t pay it off month to month. Remember Mascoutah utilities are electric, water & sewer in one bill. Imagine having to pay those separately with just electric being $300 or $400.
Remember every storm that comes through when power goes out Mascoutah still has power when Belleville and other cities lose power for hours and sometimes days.
I live in Belleville, in a 2000 sq ft house, built 40 years ago. I have Ameren for electric and gas, Illinois American for water, and City of Belleville for trash and sewer.
Ameren bill is $152.00 per month
Water is approximately $52.00 per month
Trash and sewer approximately $55.00 per month.
I have had great service from all utilities listed.
I haven’t lived in Mascoutah for about 8 years so its difficult for me to compare rates but I think Ameren has better rates than many seem to believe.
Love the new Auction/Real Estate billboard, I mean trailer, on the west side of town. Looks really nice….
I thought there was signage laws in Mascoutah. How can Adam’s auction put their billboard in its limits? Where is city hall ?
I agree. But bet selective enforcement due to who you know.
So true!! In this town its who you know & how much money you have!!
It’s everywhere, not just this town.
Agree!! For sure!!
I’m surprised the city is allowing it. Aren’t there sign permits/regulations that are in place? I remember seeing it homecoming weekend, but it needs to go.
Surprised??? how long have you lived in Mascoutah?? No one is doing anything about zoning violations.
Just curious what other violations are there?
The city has a new zoning and planning administrator, where is this person?
Section 34-10-14. Sign permits.
Do your job!
Does anyone know what all of those massive steel poles are for that are being installed along Route 4?
New power line
Power line for what? I was told it was being routed to the airport to support the Metrolink train
New feed for upgraded north substation.
Massive eyesores
well i saw that some folks went to the city council meeting a while back and was against a dollar store being built because we already have one and that it may hurt the local grocery store and then i see on facebook that some folks are advocating for more restaurants and fast food places to be built,wouldn’t that hurt the food places already here?
Nobody will ever be happy. I’m sure the ones complaining about dollar tree wouldn’t be complaining if it was a Taco Bell or chic-fil-a. Which, neither or those will likely ever come to town due to the franchise cost associated with businesses like those. Dollar tree isn’t going to shut down Betty Ann’s. Two completely separate type of businesses, at the end of the day, business involves competition.
A Taco Bell would be amazing
You Taco Bell people always amaze me. You think you just snap your fingers and magically, a Taco Bell appears. Do you understand how much capital investment it takes to open a franchise like that? I’d suggest to you, if you want one, you put up the money to bring one here or stop complaining about not having one. Problem solved for all.
Taco Bell would be great to have here. But realize the cost would be much! With that said guess we all that can & want to go to Taco Bell in Belleville will continue to poor our money in that community!
Just said a Taco Bell would be amazing. Didn’t see complaining about lack of s Taco Bell. What is your deal Karen ?
Ok BOOMER
Here comes the boom
Heck, I’m all for other stores opening in Mascoutah! It would be great to have a grocery store that offers a better quality at a better price. Customers benefit when stores compete for their business. At the rate that this town is growing it won’t be long before other stores show an interest in opening up a business. The citizens deserve a choice more than just buying in town or driving to Belleville.
The grocery store in town is much better than it used to be. The new owner seems to care more about the store and is investing a lot to improve it. I will gladly pay alittle extra for a small town grocery store
Be thankful you can pay a little more! Not everyone can!
I would disagree that there is a lot of improvement at the local grocery! Other than the Boars Head meats in the deli and rearranging a few aisles—what has substantially improved? Further, why is there no cart corral? I don’t understand why customers have to return their cart to the store. The belt at the check-out has been broken now for 2-3 weeks. And worse, why don’t the checkout/baggers put the bags of groceries back in your cart instead of making the customer do it? I’m perfectly capable of putting my bags back in the cart and returning my cart to the store but today I witnessed an elderly lady, clearly with back problems, lift several bags of groceries from the end of the checkout counter back into her carts. The kid doing the checkout/bagging never offered to lift one bag. I see that happen all the time. At least for those who could use some help, they could be a little more considerate. I am all for supporting local businesses but not when the prices are high and the service is poor.
It Would be nice if the City Manager or the Mayor get out of their everything is perfect world and drive around after a rain fall to see firsthand our drainage problems. Surely Mayor, you have to drive through standing water on your way to the bars,maybe you should put efforts that your putting into the splash pad and let’s try correcting the problems you were elected to do, as for the City Manager you should spend less time in your office and more time looking at the big problems the city is facing. Remember..you were hired by the city council not just the mayor.
The City Manager should spend her time in her office. Where is the Public Works Director who is in charge of the street crew. He should be reporting to her so she isn’t thrown under the bus at a council meeting
Maybe the City Manager needs to make some changes and get team members around her that she can trust and count on.she’s only as good as the people around her. Maybe she needs to make some changes?
Maybe she can hire a qualified person to take the place of the Assistant City Manager, but she will probably just promote another unqualified employee.
The assistant wasn’t qualified, the new Building administrator isn’t qualified and doesn’t have the education or experience for the position, so I’m guessing new titles and positions are up for grabs for anyone!
I’m hearing the Mayor is unhappy with what he’s hearing from the council and MIA, so he’s putting his own committee together so he can hear what he wants concerning the Splash Pad. Sounds like he’s a spoiled brat that always has to have his way. You should just listen to what everyone saying. Everything will work out and the Splash Pad should go bye the pool and be built the correct way not half done.
He should pay for it himself. Can’t tell if the mayor or king
Can’t believe there is going to be apartments on 10th & W. South street corner. Where is the parking for all tenants going to be? By a nursing home and a assisted living. I guess money does talk in Mascoutah. It’s really really sad.
Give me a break. They are rules for parking spots and plenty of land there. Glad to see the development and increased tax base
Of course you & others think it’s great! I agree the thing that talks the most in this town is money. How sad for all.
Are you saying the people in charge running Mascoutah go by the rules? There are so many rules broken in this town its ridiculous!!
Yes so many here in Mascoutah go by their own rules & ALWAYS get away with breaking rules that the rest of us must follow. Insane!!
What? There are rules that must be followed Mascoutah?? Give me a break!!!
I now know where some teenagers get their rudeness and mean genes, from their moms. There is a mom in my child’s activity that has taken over every function. She decides on what we do. Do one has a choice. I guess it is like mother like daughter.
Sounds like one of the moms I know in one of my kids activities. Her way or on way.
There is always one mom or dad that has to be in control. They make all of the decisions.
I have just witnesses how some teenage girls get their rudeness and mean genes. From their moms. This mom has decided to exclude certain moms she does not like. Her oldest daughter is just as bad as her.
My son was pushed out of an activity because of a mom like this. She believed that only girls should be in this activity, when boys and girls can join. Group chats were always Ladies. great job, when there were two males involved in the activity as well.
I would never want to be so in control that would alienate others! I do hope this will change for the better, and the young ones do not let this dampen their activities or spirit. We all learn from what we lived growing up. Seems to me trying to control whatever situation would be exhausting.
A couple of take aways from last nights council meeting. 1. Public comments guy. Sit down. You are wasting everyone’s time. Your story has changed many times during your “presentations”. No one cares. Sounds like you are the problem. 2. To those that live in prairie view and crown point. That land by you has always been the possibility of commercial development, yet YOU still bought a house there. I’m sorry that Betty Ann’s has s lot to go through to try to be successful, but it’s part of life. Competition. 3. Thanks for to the council for sticking with the oil and chip program. It was said best when they said “city manager, you didn’t know these were “ok to skip” prior to spending all that money in services to put the bids out?” Come out if your office and drive around town. It needs to be done. 4. They are talking about banning e-bikes in the trails? That’s insane. They are pedal assist and many people are not able to ride a standard bike due to health reasons, yet would still like to enjoy the recreation of biking.
What a frustrating situation all around.
I was in attendance at Mondays city council meeting .I was embarrassed by the Mayor’s facial expressions and the rolling of his eyes when the Councilman were giving their opinions on the splash pad. He needs to understand that they were voted in office to give their opinions and make good decisions for the taxpayers unlike the Mayor who’s always grandstanding for his own benefit. He also needs to learn to take criticism. Things can’t always go your way, your not always right.As for as the oil and chip bid award, you can’t discriminate against a contractor because he has sued the city in the past. It’s obvious what the mayor and city manager were trying to do .CORRUPTION …
How are they discriminating? If the roads are in good shape, why spend the money? To be fair someone screwed up as to why bid if roads don’t need it. Waisting time
Someone screwed up. That’s for sure. Wasted time and money on bids to come back and say “never mind ”. There is no city engineer, so everything is outsourced now at a premium and they don’t write bids for free. If cancelling is what the city manager wanted to do, she should have made that recommendation way before going through the process, however she stated she hadn’t gone out and checked the roads herself to determine the conditions. I’m sure she gets a vehicle allowance just like every city manager has, but I don’t think she ever leaves her office.
I’m sure she’s not happy a certain contractor got the bid, so her way of shutting him down was to cancel the whole project. It needs to be done. That’s why the schedule is in place. If not, next year will be overloaded with street repairs.
I would question our street department as well. They should know the roads the best and report to the city manager since no engineer
Hopefully people remember this when his term is up.
Bet most won’t.
I will remember all that was said and done! Or not done! It’s all written down.
When is the next meeting? This sounds like its better than going to a comedy show.
I don’t understand why the Homecoming still used the ball fields for parking after all that rain. Hopefully the Homecoming fixes it fast and the city never allows this to happen again.
Because many of the people drove to homecoming instead of walking.
So it is acceptable to destroy ball fields that used almost year round by thousands of kids just because some drove and want to park closer?
Completely agree. It was obvious early in the week that weather would be an issue, yet nobody did a thing to protect the ball fields. They shouldn’t be used as a parking lot in dry conditions, let alone following substantial rain. Not to worry, the city will surely repair the fields by the 31st of Neveruary.
Exactly, they didn’t even fix the damage from last year. I think the organization responsible for the damage should fix it
Which organization makes the decision about allowing parking there? Seems like that is the place to start.
I would think the city would have the final say but the organization running the homecoming also should have seen the issue coming and stopped it themselves
Oh waah. A volunteer organization utilized the park to bring in money to put directly back into the park. I’m sorry that the one City guy that sits on his mower all day may have to do a little work. Maybe instead of complaining come out and help and volunteer. You could have helped with parking control and saved your precious ballfields. Everyone wants the events but nobody wants to help.
You are so correct. The lazy one’s always complain.
I dont read the comments as accusing anyone, until yours. It seems like it is a legit question to be answered. And who even threw the mower guy under the bus?
What if a volunteer organization came up and tore up the depot or rail car? Bet your tune would change quick. MIA needs to fix what they tore up and hopefully city realizing ballfields are more important than once a year parking.
Ballfields are ballfields not parking lots.
I’ve read many posts about the people that don’t pay property taxes and I have a proposal that I am going to pitch to our state politicians. Currently, if a person has a 30-49% VA disability rating, they get a $2,500 dollar exemption on property taxes. If the rating is 50-100%, they don’t pay any taxes. I propose that the 50-100% rated should pay taxes but give them a $5,000 exemption instead. That way it’s more equitable for all tax payers.
Well your close. 50- 70% get 5000 ex. and 70% and higher don’t pay. So many people just make up stuff about this. Find out the facts first geez.
According to the county website 30-49% rating is a $2,500 exemption. 50% and higher is 100% exemption
Wasn’t making it up. Read it on the county website. After researching found out I was reading outdated data. You are correct about the 50-69% getting $5,000 exemption. I agree that 50-100% rating should be limited to a $5,000 exemption.
Come up to the courthouse and I’ll show you.
I agree 100 percent. A 5k deduction would cover taxes for majority of the town. If you can afford a house with taxes higher than that, then pay some taxes.
Here’s a joke for you. Hopefully they post.
Two guys sitting by the river fishing. One a civilian and one a veteran. Both have physical and mental issues. Both disabled. Angel comes down and goes to the civilian and says. Let me heal you. Civilian jumps out of wheel chair, runs, smiles and says thank you I’m healed. Angel goes to the vet and the vet stands up and runs away. Angel chases the vet, screaming “vet let me heal you”. The vet screams back “hell no, I get free real estate taxes, tons of free money a month, kids don’t pay for college, my retirement is tax free, and I get preference to easy jobs”…. I’m doing just fine.
Now for those wonderful vets that are wounded or need physical and mental help, god please ensure they and their families are taken care of. For those that work the system, lie, go to doctors that help, and for those politicians hurting the rest of us, we already have a welfare system, don’t need another one. I.S. Syndrome
Why don’t you whiners lay off the disabled people that served this county and go after the actually lowlife’s that abuse the system. People that use welfare as a career. But for some reason no one does. More money goes to these losers then the disabled. Fix that first with your complaining.
Agree, the criteria is too loose to qualify. The lawyers make it way easier to manipulate the system. They need to do more inspections on these people.
I’m a vet. that suffers from arthritis and have sleep apnea. Sure I’m sore from boot, 20 years of physical labor, but that doesn’t entitle me anymore than our men and women that serve our country in government and civilian jobs.
I decided to serve to protect our country foreign and domestic. I won’t be a drain on society to help me but a bigger home, fancy car, or spend money carelessly on consumables (going out and clothing). I choose to not build up my file.
And you’re ticked you didn’t get what you think you deserve so you demean everyone else. One for himself
No, I just have seen the map floating around town. 60% of the homes north of the park down pay real estate taxes and get $3500-$4,500 a month tax free. Those people aren’t disabled. They have aches and pains just like the rest of the world. Now are there some legit vets, absolutely. They need to be taken care of. our politicians have made being a vet in Illinois a welfare program. Most Vets wouldn’t be buying $400-$800k homes and driving fancy cars if the government didn’t give them constant handouts. It is hurting our schools and all the other residents in this state that have to pay taxes. Wake up call, if taxes push people out, where do you think money comes from? Make a choice politicians, can’t be both!
When is Joes Pizza & Pasta coming to town?
Summer 2019
We don’t need another so so pizza place.
Would sure beat every pizza place but the bowling alley
The City of Mascoutah has been in violation of Public Act 097-0609 stating that any employer participating in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund MUST within 6 business days after approving a budget, post on its website total compensation for each employee that exceeds $75k in total compensation. Mascoutah Administration has not posted this information in 3 years…..
What are you hiding? Maybe it’s the excessive wages and salaries increases of several employees in the City Manager’s office and meaningless title changes to try and cover for those wage increases. You have people not qualified to do jobs you are paying way too much…
Time to clean house City Manager and City Council and work for the TAX PAYER and not some agenda or social ideal.
Maybe it’s that covid money they got going to “good use”…. Let’s pump up unqualified employee’s titles and wages instead of using the money for the betterment of the community. Do better, city manager and council.
Do better, city manager and council. At least make sure these newly created positions are occupied by qualified people. Let’s better the community, not unqualified personnel.
Why are they unqualified?? They got voted in so someone things they’re qualified.
We’re not talking about elected officials. I am talking about city employees. The City Manager is handing salary and wages increases and meaningless supervisor, administrator, and project manager titles to people who are not even close to being qualified…. Much less make the money they do. Demand their salaries be posted and you will see.
If the City Manager can’t stop the everyone in her office gets a trophy and a raise mindset and actually cut some of these unqualified people…. Then YES I will expect Council to get rid of her.
She works for us, so let’s see some projects get done…. All I have seen is salary/wage increases/ pointless promotions and unneeded new positions created. Not how I want to see my tax dollars spent.
Get a clue City Manager, you’re failing.
I maybe wrong but I don’t believe the comment was about the voter in council
Read your post.. I looked up the Act you’re correct. I past the information on to the City Clerk . Hopefully this is resolved soon and in the future. Thanks for pointing this out, Councilman Mike Baker
The city just now figured this out? Are some at city hall that incompetent?
That, & lazy. They do the bare minimum.
Thank you for looking into this. It looks like the city is still refusing to publicly post salaries on their website or in an accessible place in city hall. Now you have to go through essentially a foia process to get this. Why? Every other municipality around us with a website posts their salaries. Residents and tax payers should not have to go through this to get this information. It looks like there was no problem posting 10 years worth. What or who changed?
The act says this information should be posted. It does NOT say it has to be requested from employees.
Why not ask the $100k Finance worker that has been there 15 years?
Just like any government, no accountability. What about the over billing of utilities, or the massive sewer plant mistake that hasn’t been published, or the major overage of the power line easement situation?
We need to clean out the mayor, city council, and get people in there that wants to really help this town, not just rub elbows.
Have you been at every council meeting to voice issues and also run for council?
With all the rain the northeast has been getting, they are calling it a thousand year flood. What does that even mean?
Following…
It means the flood would be expected to happen every 1000 years. It could happen more but go off the odds to call 1 in x number of year storm
I think the media makes these numbers up just to make people believe climate change is a real thing. But we all know better.
What!!?? Climate change is real! Why do you think it gets hotter each summer??
This summer has been very mild compared to most summers. Yes heat in all the places that always get hot. . It’s just one of those years.
I realize this is a controversial subject. And each of us can have different beliefs. I just think it’s a real thing especially with the weather so hot everywhere! You don’t have to agree, but please be nice with comments.
No it’s a real thing for engineering. It is used for designing storm water detention, culvert size, etc.
I’ve lived in South Texas close to 10 years. Yep this summer in Mascoutah has been hottest, since living here. We moved here in 2011.
You really think global warming isn’t real after years of people being unable to prove it isn’t? Its absolutely real. I don’t get how people can be so stubborn as to not believe it at this point.
Because us older ones have seen it go through these temporary changes for years. And we learned over the years that if you believe everything the media tells you, Well ..don’t. Question everything.
If you would read the scientific journals, you would know that this year has recorded the highest temps everywhere on the planet EVER!!
July 2023 hottest month recorded. EVERYWHERE!!!
i’ve been in the St. Louis area this whole summer. Up to this week this has been the mildest summer this area has had in years. Now the last comment that thinks it’s been the hottest EVERWHERE, come on..use your brain.
Use your brain & read the scientific information & journals. Unless you don’t read or believe the scientific proof.
I’m sorry you can’t figure this out on your own. Ask some of your friends if they think we had the hottest summer ( so far ) in Mascoutah.
Everyone have a safe 4th of July weekend. Even the trolls on this site.
Where was the ATM machine at the 4th of July celebration at the park. Also, the fireworks were just ok.
Where was the ATM machine during the 4th of July celebration?
It was located at the 7 gas stations/banks you passed on the way to the park
Just wondering if the media in general has a short attention span or memory issues. I ask because so many on the left in the media bash all of the “election deniers” on the right, but the same media seems to forget that when Donald Trump won the election, Hillary Clinton and most of the left denied the election and said it was rigged and that Donald Trump’s win was illegitimate. This went on for a couple of years. To this day, she still claims that election was rigged. Was she ever prosecuted for all of the classified data on her personal servers?
I must have been in a coma at that time. I don’t remember anything like that happening. She got away with getting rid of those emails, I don’t think she would have rocked the boat over anything.
yep,you were in a coma,glad you’re ok though
I just recently moved to Mascoutah. The last high school my kids went to, the Football team attended the Marching Band’s competitions. Does that happen here? It is kind of cool. I think it brought the Marching Band and Football team
I think this is a cool idea. A couple of years ago Channel 4 did a story about this in Troy IL. Their band director and football coach said it brought the band members and football players together. Maybe Mr. Muskopf and Coach Battis should talk. It would also be a good story on Tribe Talk.
Why is the band and the football team against each other in the first place? These are children, acting like children. What do you expect them to act like.? Or is it the parents acting like children. ?
It more like the football team is the golden child. They do no wrong.
They are only good because they have no competition.
Do they teach drivers ed in high school these days??
They do. It’s real neat, they have cars and everything.
They still have drivers ed. But it’s hard to tell some have learned anything. I don’t mean going to fast we all did when we were young. I mean not going the speed limit. If you’re scared to drive, just don’t. You’re more of a hazarded then the one’s going to fast.
I know! What’s the deal with these cautious drivers. This has got to change! I for one am sick of being stuck behind slow drivers and costing me another 45 seconds to get to the other end of this sprawling burgh. Step on it or stay at home!
Cautious?? you mean no common sense.
Will the road and sidewalks ever get fixed downtown?? The state isn’t going to do it. Maybe try and raise the money ?
Be a long time to raise over a million
I was behind a car the other day and they were weaving in and out of their lane i thought maybe they were drunk and then realized they were avoiding the potholes eastbound 177 downtown
I do that all of the time now. Just had to have another front end alignment. I rarely drive outside of Mascoutah. Mostly on Main Street. Where are our gas taxes going?
Idot has whole list of projects and fund them based off rating,etc. I think Main Street is coming up in next year or two
60 + year wait for our turn?? sounds right.
I avoid them also. It’s very hard not to miss a few because the potholes are on most streets besides Main street.
With the number of non-tax paying residents we will never be funded correctly. Btw, there is a massive case building up on pain management doctors giving out false diagnosis and shots to help the veterans receive disability. Look up your doctor and look up law suites and fraud for quotas. It’s not just the doctors that will be getting into trouble! I.S. Entitlement
The chorus concert was awesome. There was just little emphasis was on Vocal Jazz and Treble Choir and not as much for Concert Choir. The concert was over an hour. The awards took me back to high school with all of clicks. All of the popular kids. That lasted for and hour. The senior spotlight was 45 minutes. To late on a school night. Very irresponsible for Mr. Rice to schedule it on a week night. In the future why not have the concert one night and awards and senior spotlight on a different night.
So Mr. Rice was not at school today. Guess he had a late night?
Ha, you mean all the kids that thought they were popular. ?
The same popular kids won numerous awards.
We left half into the awards. The same popular kids won.
Popular kids? What’s so popular about them? They’re in high school.
Those Blue Angels are loud when in augmentor mode, but it sounds awesome.
Yeah that’s a weird thing about planes…they’re loud
I see so much about the IS disabled vets. If your 70% disabled, you pay no real estate taxes, receive money, etc…. Not getting into the details. The point of this is, was more and more military folk stay/retire here and claim disabled due to the low hanging qualifications, the more our schools will suffer and the more non-“disabled”. People pay more. Think big picture, once these folks that aren’t truly disabled, stop contributing, we lose that benefit of their existence. We only have so much space and the ratio keeps rising. When you see your neighbor that has a disabled license plate and they go out and jog, go to work, brag about vacations, buying cars, etc.etc. Remember, that’s welfare! For those that can’t work, really need it, none of this applies. Our city council members, high school athletic coaches, etc are disabled, weird, wonder how they can do their jobs???
I hope those that actual needs it, get it. For those that go to these doctors that sign off on anything, give you shots, give you cpaps, that’s bs fraud. We all know your working the system and your ghetto, not established. Your not disabled, your an entitled disgrace. Good luck America!
What’s this have to do with the Blue Angels? If you can’t figure out how to start your own post, Don’t post
Good luck building that metrolink connection thru the swamp & floodplain. County Fools.
I laugh every time I go by there. I guess taxes will be going up again.
Don’t bring up taxes. It only impacts a 1/3 of us. The G.I. Joe wannabes will never pay.
Another whiner that never served in the military.
Well they did put a taxi way across it for KC135s
Well they built an interstate hwy through there. I think it will be fine.
The Feds did, over 50 years ago. Weather & runoff water was different. The County keeps going more & more into debt, while their revenue also decreases. Smart stuff. Enjoy the riff raff getting off the train and walking on Route 4.
Interstate highways in Illinois were and are built by IDOT.
HAHA walking on Rt 4???
It’s pretty easy actually.
Is that why a $300,000 excavator was stuck in the mud for a week? Yup real easy.
Does anyone know if Mascoutah will be getting an EV charging station (fast charge) in the near future? And please, no comments stating your opposition to electric vehicles as an affront to your right wing sensibilities (unless of course you have a sense of humor and are good at sarcasm).
I can see getting one at the truck stop. Maybe Bailey’s will put one up at the 4 way.
Cody & Mike from City Hall tried years ago, but they were denied by the ignorant cocky elected officials.
Nice try Bolt, but we all know it’s you haha
5-10 thousand for some charging stations. No. 40 million dollars in loans for Electric & Sewer upgrades. Yes please!
Will we be able to charge our house and go to the bathroom at these charging stations? Is that the type of stations these are?
Let’s not upgrade the sewer and have the whole system come crashing down to not enough capacity. That will serve the citizens, environment, and EPA well
The Park, the High School, Main St, Betty Annes would be ok locations
I heard the truck stop is working on getting 2, having one in town would be nice.
Thank you all for the helpful replies!
The band concert for 7th grade to 12th grade was an awesome event. There was just high school student that was a little overdressed with a floor length black dress with spaghetti straps
I don’t understand why one person has to call out another person for something that is really none of their business but i guess that’s the world we live in today
Yup!! So sad & unfortunate 😣
Congrats! You were able to pull off the Dumbest Comment of the Month Award!
If you’re talking about my comment well then Thankyou it’s nice to be recognized no matter how!👍🙆♀️
The high school all dressed up, thinks she is the most important person, and has to stand out.
Jealousy fits you well,maybe quit spouting off about someone else and tend to your own imperfections,of coarse you probably think you have none
She showed too much cleavage and leg for a band concert.
how did she show too much leg with a floor length black dress?
The slit was up her leg.
You can never show to much cleavage or leg. We’re Amercians
What happened to Joe’s Pizza moving to town? Or was it just a political stunt?
City Electric bills probably too expensive to run the ovens.
Don’t tell me pizza is a new political party now.
lol yep, Now we have Democrats, Republicans, Trump cult, now pizza.
No such thing as a Trump cult.
At the town hall CNN hosted Wednesday night, if you believed everything that came out of his mouth, your a cult follower.
Pizza Party!
Does Mascoutah have a Zoning dept?
I heard one of their secretary’s handles it. Probably has vast experience & is extremely knowledgeable. Not! Haha. Just another warm body puppet.
Probably, call city hall, or go to their website.
I don’t think so. I see a lot of basic violations all through town. Fayetteville looks better then Mascoutah .
if you live in Mascoutah,i suggest you move to Fayetteville and if you live in Fayetteville,don’t worry about Mascoutah
Not to bright??
Thank you to the black Chevy SUV that was coming out of the Timberbrook Neighborhood. You cut off my student driver as you turned right to head to the high school for the Choir Benefit Concert. Slow down and look out to your surroundings. You made it in plenty of time.
What is going on with choir practice students? I was driving on Main street going the speed limit & was passed by a speeding student. He ended up at choir practice at the high school. Very dangerous move, because cars were coming from other direction.
Just wondering, how do you tell your student drivers how to work a turn around?? Seems like 25 on up can’t figure it out.
I was waiting on a comment to your question. I guess they don’t teach them that.
Did this happen twice or was it just so egregious that it needed to be posted twice?
I was right behind you and saw the incident. I followed you and the black SUV into the high school parking lot. The black SUV driver made it in plenty of time to see his daughter get asked to the prom.
Thank you to the black Chevy SUV pulling out of Timberbrook and cutting off my permit driver while heading to the high school choir benefit concert Friday night. You need to watch your surroundings.
Just heard in the news that gasoline prices have dropped 4.6%. Where? Definitely not in our region.
Are you sure they didn’t mean, it went up that much?
Read it a second time. Claims the prices went down, not up.
Read the comment a second time. SFB
Wondering why Holy Childhood is hazing their own community at school? What school would be ok with telling their students who haven’t signed up for new school year they don’t have to wear uniforms to single out the ones who haven’t . Shame on the school board and the Church. This goes against all Catholic teachings.
Good Question?
I heard about this. I agree with you shame on them.
That’s not the situation at all. There is a drawing for families that have registered and one family will be able to dress out of uniform for the month of May.
Everyone is confused by this because of the wording used. Leadership’s idea.
This is still wrong. It is forcing those who have not paid to pay.
It was the situation until they were called out on it.
Now let’s try to change it up. Shame on you.
Perhaps the only way leadership will finally start listening to concerned parents is when parents dis-enroll and choose a different school – a school with accountability and morals.
I think the names children are being called are disgraceful. Way to go Holy Childhoods! Let’s do nothing about it.
I hope the parents stand together.
What is administration doing? Priest? I never heard of such language by a teacher /s being allowed. If students started talking like that what would happen?
I don’t think you have to make the catholic school look bad because you’re to cheap to send your kids to a private school; Yes, we can all read between the lines. Grow up.
I think they are making themselves look bad. Allowing teachers to talk (demeaning), name calling and gesturing students should not be allowed. It seems Holy Childhood allows it.
As for uniforms students wear uniforms to feel that they are part of a group. That one person or many are not looked at differently because they might have namebrand clothes or different clothes. When we take that away for some students it may allow stress to rise and take the security away. The security that Catholic schools have tried to provide. Just like in one of the comments stating you can’t afford to send your child. It sounds like that person is judging exactly what we are trying not to do. Those kind of comments
Is what we should be trying to keep out of our schools. No one is better than anyone, but as you can tell by the comments written here, people are being very defensive not looking out for the children don’t see what is wrong with what is going on.
Haven’t we learned from past experience that we should face what’s going on in the Catholic Church /schools instead of pushing it to the side?
From what I have heard on what is going on I don’t understand how we can defend it. It makes me sad. I thought all schools were to be a place we wanted our children to go to and feel wanted and safe. Not ridiculed or put down.
It’s amazing how things have changed around the school within the last few years. Leadership has no control on behavior issues or curriculum problems; and creates more problems with ideas such as incentivizing registration with out of uniform days for all. Does the priest have any idea what is happening in the school with teachers’ language? Only time will tell what enrollment numbers will be for ‘23-‘24.
For years people that can’t afford or just won’ t spend the money for a private school, seem guilty they don’t send their kids. So they have to come up with this crap to make themselves feel better I guess. We don’t put it against you. We’re use to it.
Does anyone know of a conceal and carry class offered locally?
Amercian Legion??
I would like to remind everyone to go vote in the city election. Whether you like things the way they are, or you think we need major changes, it’s important to vote! Every vote counts!
I was able to attend the candidate forum this past Sunday. I was shocked to to hear one of the city council candidates say he just didn’t have time to volunteer anywhere because he works 60 to 70 hours a week. I find most people that have time to volunteer, also have full time jobs that require xtra hours. l ask how can he find time to be a city councilman?I’m sure it requires more than just 2 meetings a month. Me, personally, I’m voting for someone who is willing to put in the hours of a councilman.
Great idea, I never thought not to vote for someone if they couldn’t do the job. This changes everything.
I heard that too. While I dont necessarily think it’s a requirement to volunteer to be elected, it does show one’s dedication to public service and to this community. It is worth considering tomorrow
Could not agree more
A Matter to be looked into for the public to know and why?
The Mascoutah school District’s school board is looking to hire a fourth asst. principal at the MHS. Another high paying position.
-why-
They now cannot fill the cafeteria, custodian and bus driver positions that have been short staffed for over 2 years, making more overworked workers to leave. It appears there is very little effort to fill these positions – Ever see an ad, a sign?
Who’s going to cook, clean or get the students to school without these people?
Tax Payer
That is interesting. I don’t know how trutful it is, but if it is, very interesting.
Tax Payer, why don’t you apply?
Go to a school board meeting & voice your concerns
Tax Payer???
Tax payer?? that narrows it down to pretty much, EVERYONE. Good call
Nope, the IS people aren’t tax payers, which my vote is they shouldn’t be able to vote.
No one worth voting for, And I love not paying taxes.
Yes, others are paying for you.
Sure they are. It’s just the ones that are 70% VA disabled, unable, handicapped or whatever the new word is that don’t pay property taxes.
Military 50% disabled can get the IS plates, and still pay property taxes. And they were disabled for this country and you do not think they should be able to vote? What an ass!
lol so you think that disabled vets can’t vote? And prisoners are able to vote. Your comment is, well, I can’t say it here. Lighten up
Everyone? Hahaha lmao
Tax Payer: the positions are advertised on the Mascoutah School District website, take a look and apply.
Today the residents of Walnut Point development received notice from the zoning board of the change in plans for the Halfway boulevard extension to Route 63. It seems that the new Hitachi Highspeed Rail plant has convinced them to change their original design for the extension to meet just south of R&L Carriers, across from Highland Manor. Now it will come out directly across from Business Parkway. This is a terrible idea for the residents of Walnut Point as it will influence truck traffic to enter business parkway without any idea that the road is a dead end into a a residential area. From the truck drivers perspective they will see trucking related businesses directly across the road and will continue onto Business Parkway thinking there is another way out. As a resident of Walnut Point I don’t want any commercial traffic in my development. The apron was already made at the previous location, this must have cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars, now they are going to abandon it to make this terrible change. Who does the planning board work for? The people of Washington County? or the businesses that can afford to sway their decisions by offering lots on money?
What does this have to do with mascoutah?
Can anyone recommend a good and dependable tree removal company in mascoutah?
Meurer Brothers
The military must be hurting for people. Starting to see a lot of recruiting commercials. My high school senior has already had recruiters approach him at school but he said no thanks. One recruiter started calling my house and it was difficult convincing him that my son won’t be joining the military and for him to please quit calling us.
Guess they’re getting ready for the upcoming apocalypse .
I love and appreciate our military. I hate our politicians that make is so easy for military to get free handouts, when most of them hadn’t contributed much more or less than anyone in the private sector. Our government is not helping those truly in need. If you can work,there should be no monthly disabled checks, no exemption from real estate taxes. The military has been so brain washed that they feel entitled to lie and find every loop holes, because they deserve it.
Harsh statements, I know. And guess what, I’m active duty, Air Force!
I keep reading about the IS movement and seeing what it is doing to our society and country. I will not follow suit. I have 2 years left and I don’t need my VA rep. Trying to “find” all the things I should claim. I do want health care, but when I get out. I want to contribute to society by being a good civilian and pay taxes.
I can handle going through the gates every morning, due to the amount of bragging and instilled entitlement.
For those that get it and only survive in over priced homes, cars, luxury, go see all the homeless vets that have real issues and see how proud you are to say your a vet. Rant over.
I agree.
I agree too.
Suggest you bring this up with the military leadership at Scott Air Force Base. It can be a topic in a base wide Commanders call and you can be the guest speaker to address your concerns about the veteran’s administration. Also, Mike Bost who is a member of the Illinois house of representatives has an office in Mascoutah. You can make an appointment and talk to him about your taxes. Hope this helps.
You are clueless if you think the commanders on SAFB care….
Mike Bost is not in the Illinois house. He is a member of the US House of Representatives from Illinois. He can’t do anything about SOME retired vets who claim disabilities they may not truly have just to get out of paying property taxes. That would be our state reps. He may be able to do something about the big tax free payments they collect every month since they come from the federal government.
I do think we should help those who truly are disabled as a direct result of their service and are no longer able to support themselves. I also believe we should cover health care for those injured by their service but still able to work. But too many are “working the system” to take advantage. I can’t believe that EVERY one of my retired military neighbors are “disabled” and pay NO taxes yet work another job or have retired after 10 years at another job. When they do this they cause the rest of us to pay more taxes to support our schools, police, fire dept, libraries, etc while enjoying these services. I used to respect all service members but this behavior has changed my mind.
It’s hard for me to believe that EVERY one of your neighbors pay no taxes. I’m jealous and feel sorry for you as the only person in your neighborhood paying taxes. What Street Do you live on? You can appeal your tax assessment by contacting St Clair County board of review 618-277-6600.
I have appealed my tax assessment with St Clair County. That is how I found out my neighbors pay NO taxes. The lady at the courthouse told me to use neighboring properties as comparables. When I went to the parcel search website to do this I saw my neighbors weren’t paying anything and was shocked. They don’t care how high taxes go because it doesn’t effect them. I found this surprising because I see my neighbors doing strenuous physical activity and they don’t appear 100% disabled. I don’t know what is happening in the military that so many are now qualifying as “disabled”. And some of them never were in combat situations. They were in IT, medical areas and the JAG dept. One neighbor actually said he couldn’t have afforded his house if it wasn’t for this “tax deal”.
Again, I totally believe we should cover their medical care if they were harmed by their service and unable to support themselves. I do not believe they should not have to help educate children, support the police, pay for road repairs on streets they use, parks they use or other services such as libraries. We should all pay for these.
I never said I was the only one paying taxes in my neighborhood. My non military neighbors are also being taxed. I was surprised to see that the retired military homeowners weren’t taxed due to disability while continuing to work, having retired from a second job or doing extensive home repair construction.
Since Illinois passed the tax act for veterans, my taxes gone up as much as they usually do. Except for 2022 taxes and that was caused by the idiots that paid alot more then houses are worth. Bringing up the multiplier. Not sure where all you live but in Mascoutah I seen no increase.
After reading your outcry about your taxes, you may want to rent. Owning a home is not for everyone especially if you can’t afford to pay your real estate taxes. As a renter, I pay no real state taxes.
As a renter you may not pay real estate taxes separate from your rent but I’m sure your landlord figures the taxes into your rent. As their taxes go up so will your rent.
They are hurting for people. Just read on April 11 that all branches of the military are about 25% below their recruiting goals. All branches are also having problems retaining people. My child is graduating high school this year and we already had the “joining the military” talk. Fortunately, I was able to convince him not to join.
What kind of amercian are you?? Why wouldn’t you let your child serve his country?
Because he has 5 strikes against him going in: white, straight, male, Christian and somewhat conservative.
haha what country are you from?? That makes no sense.
100% correct. Not getting my kids for same reasons.
Does anyone know of where or how to dispose of a full size mattress and box spring? Apparently Waste Management won’t take them. Left both at the curb with waste container and they emptied the waste container and left the mattress and box spring.
That is the reason you should purchase new mattress from a local furniture outlet . They deliver the new one and haul away the old one !
Didn’t need to purchase a new one. Just need to get rid of a set that’s no longer needed.
You can call waste Management and set up
Waste Management has two large pickup days per year, typically in May and November. They can tell you what those dates will be.
Waste Management will pick them up with the waste. However, the mattress and box springs each have to be sealed in plastic or they won’t take them. Mattress bags are cheap at Lowe’s.
The Chinese spy Balloon was a Hoax by the U.S. Government to trick us into dividing even more, we must stand together, now that we see more proof of Aliens.
That is not true. What planet are you on?
Even the super Pro Democrat New York Times has to admit that masking, even N95’s, did absolutely nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Now Curt, after two years of preaching, hatefulness and shaming those of us with just a little common sense, who knew that they couldn’t, what say you?
Right…….
What is happening at Holy Childhood School with some teachers?
No clue.
What are you talking about? Vendetta against the school?
Absolutely not. Just I heard somethings and I was wondering if anyone else did.
Good idea, this is the place to get rumors started.
Sounds like stirring the pot, vague comments are just that vague and trying to stir emotions. If you have a question about HCS ask or. Perhaps, sound off.
Uncertain of what you are implying but im
Sure some could answer you questions if you have some. But vague booking doesn’t help anyone.
That’s funny. Did you honestly think a very vague comment on here was the right place to go?
Did they come in on the Chinese balloon???
The school is on their 3rd principal in 3 years along with several new teachers.
Sounds like turnover…it happens.
Guess I should have been blunt. There has been 3 principals but that does not give teachers the right to call children vulgar names. Each principal might have their own style, however, principals and teachers no that is wrong. What examples. I can’t even imagine my child going to school and having a teacher give the class the finger. What would happen if the children did that? Would they be disciplined? That’d would be a double standard.
Three teachers with more than 20 years of teaching experience RETIRED. We have have a great base of new teachers with great new ideas. We have a new Principal this year working to make our school better. Like stated above, turnover happens. Come check us out.
The teachers are not the problem, the problem is the behavior of the students. Bullying and behavioral issues are running wild throughout the school with no accountability. The school has become a catch all of students who have behavioral problems at other schools or do not have required vaccinations for public schools, in addition to students with IEPs and the staff is not qualified/equipped to deal with any of it. They are focused on numbers and have accepted and enrolled all possible to keep enrollment up. The school and teachers do not have the resources available to handle some of the students; therefore the ‘small class size’ marketing slogan is misleading because teachers have to focus so much energy and resources on a few select students in each class and are overwhelmed.
Who ever just commented on your post is confused. Holy Childhood is the school the original post is asking about. Not the public schools. But your correct about the bulling. It’s running out of control in the public schools. And nothing is getting done about it. Get your facts right before posting lies. SFB
I would not call teachers that degrade students a great base. Just my view.
The principals all have had different styles of leading and its been difficult for students, faculty and families to continue to adapt to all the changes – from simple things such as communication to massive changes with curriculum. The most eye opening aspect has been the principal’s ability to make changes to curriculum and to discipline (or not) behavior of both students and teachers without having any checks and balances with the school board, pastor, diocese, or superintendent. Multi-generational families have been told “maybe this place isn’t for you” when concerns have been brought up.
Do you think the bulling is students or teachers? Teachers are giving students the finger. I never heard of such things in any school before this.
Giving the finger, name calling and cursing.
principal has told us before we have school choice as well.
Yes, heard about the name calling by teachers to their students. What a shame. How can you correct students if the teachers are bulling, giving the finger, calling students names. When will it stop?
To the people on here that either are HCS parents or pretending to be HCS parents, you are complaining about teachers bullying and cussing at your kids. As a parent that has already had children go all the way through as well as children currently attending, I have never heard of any such things. If this has truly happened to your child/children then why not go directly to the Diocese? If the principal has not stepped in, then go around him.
We accept kids because they are not vaccinated and the public school won’t accept them? HCS has the same state guidelines as any public institution otherwise we would not be accredited. I personally have co-workers that send their kids to the public school and none of their kids are vaccinated, so perhaps you should do some more research.
There are also comments on here about HCS being full of behavioral kids. Really? Where?
Kids are mean, boo hoo. Kids are jerks everywhere. It doesn’t matter where your kids attend school. Does it make it right? Absolutely not but you cannot attack our school like its a prison full of criminals. No discipline from the principal? This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
You’ve been told that you have a choice in schools. My kids are generational kids as well, and that is not an insult, it is simply a fact.
Yes. But they should know how to treat students. Would you give a group of students or people the finger?
An upper grade teacher has a background in special education, so she gets pulled away from teaching her classes to go tend to the behavioral issues doing an injustice to those she should be teaching. If a child is unruly and cannot be controlled by the classroom teacher, then the parents need to come get their child and they do not belong at a small private catholic school with no behavioral resources. The answer is not taking the teacher away from a completely different class causing multiple classes disrupted over the behavioral student, but that has been the solution thus far.
is the principal aware this is happening ?
Yes
Yes he is very aware and doesn’t care.
Parents questioning it get labeled complainers, there is no accountability or standards.
This is sad. Not fixing the problem but just telling people to leave if they don’t like their children being bullied by teachers. If they do it will not be a good solution.
These issues need to be made aware to those who are responsible for the school; the local paper sound off is not the way to bring about change. Creating a documentation trail via email to the proper chain of commands, principal, school board, pastor, then diocese superintendent would be the best way to address the issues. Hope the problems get addressed and solved.
It is sad and it will be a lesson learned if parents leave. We don’t expect that behavior from our children and we don’t expect that from our teachers. We do expect our administrators to stand up for our students.
It is truly happening. The language being used by teachers is awful.
It is happening.
Sounds like we need to get some nuns back to the catholic school to teach some discipline. No name calling just give them a yard stick and they will straighten out any unruly students. Just like the good ole days.
The school is not what is once was. There seem to be no standards with discipline or curriculum. A parent survey would unveil the depth of frustration. Focusing marketing strategies to military moving in is good, but don’t run off the families who built the school to what it is.
It is not the students it is the teachers. They are the ones calling the kids names and not nice ones and giving the kids the finger. Great lessons for the children of HCS. What would happen if they did it back?
It’s not the students. Its the teachers.
Just heard a Mascoutah 4th grade girls basketball coach got ejected for arguing with an official. Way to set an example. Guess when you open a business promoting youth sports, you can act like a fool on the sideline. Keep it classy
You must not have been there or you would know it was not a 4th grade girls basketball coach arguing with an official.
Before you start spreading trash talk, perhaps you should get all the details. Our girls were getting hurt due to fouls that were not getting called on the other team by the refs. A coach should always have the ability to question refs when this type of play is being allowed. Any good coach would try to defend and protect their players. Maybe you should take your own advice and try keeping it classy!
Here we go again with the “I heard” comments! If everyone would spew their hatred for someone, based on “I heard” comments, my what an awful world we would be living in!!!
Here we go with the I heard comments again! If you weren’t there, and don’t know the actual truth or circumstances, perhaps you are better off keeping your mouth shut. Spreading gossip based on something you heard will never be viewed as worthwhile information. Why are you trying to bring down a person ( and their business) who is trying to do good for the community? Makes no sense. You must be jealous or maybe you just like being a bully? There should be no place on this forum for people like you who just want to destroy another’s reputation based on untruths! Soundoff should be ashamed for allowing and printing this garbage.
The law makers were the same way at the State of the Union address on Tuedays
My daughter plays on the team that you’re referencing. He stepped up to coach a team that he does not have a child on. He misses his own kid’s sports event’s to coach our girl’s. And he does so with a passion and enthusiasm that you’d think all the girl’s on the team were his. That’s as classy and selfless as you can be. He addressed the parents and player’s after the game. No one’s perfect and it’s easy to throw anonymous stone’s. I appreciate his commitment to these girl’s.
My daughter plays on the team that you’re referencing. He stepped up to coach a team that he doesn’t even have a kid on. He misses his own kid’s events to coach this group of girls. From that standpoint it doesn’t get anymore classy or selfless. He coaches with a passion and enthusiasm that you’d think all the girl’s on the team were his. He addressed the parents and player’s after the game. No one’s perfect and it’s easy to throw anonymous stone’s. I appreciate his commitment to the game and the girls he coaches
Pretty sure same guy got kicked off Little Indians Football for starting a fight with another coach. Guess he can’t help himself.
Just makes me wonder – do you have some other ulterior motive or perhaps some vendetta against this coach? I would hope most good people of Mascoutah would not post an anonymous comment regarding a “fourth grade” (???) coach when you obviously were not there! And finally, why would you post anything, trying to damage someone’s reputation or business, by starting your sentence with “I heard”? Please, next time you post anything, do your research first and get the facts. All the facts! Just keeping it classy.
Pretty sure? Really? Well then no doubt it must be true. Why do you even care? I’ve been to many games and have seen coaches ejected for all types of reasons. Why this guy? This type of comment leads me to believe you personally don’t like him for some other reason. Quit skirting around and state your real problem.
Mr. Anonymous…..my name is Sarah Brendel and if this wasn’t a personal attack on someone you just don’t care for you would have enough guts to put your name with the post. You obviously “heard” all wrong things and unless you know for sure you probably shouldn’t post. Do you have a kid on this team? Do you have a kid that even plays a sport? Do you coach? Do you step up to help these young athletes? Do you donate money to any of these young athletic programs? When you can answer YES to all of these AND have the guts to put your name with your comment most people are going to see through the hatefulness.
Wrong again Bucko! Check your facts.
Mike Baker will was great on the council before and will be great on it again!
I agree Mike has my vote.
Pretty sure you’re absolutely incorrect. I have a son on that team and I was standing right there when the altercation occurred. Guess you can’t help yourself when it comes to spreading falsehoods.
Yep, real class act. Short fuse big head ego! I heard he thinks he is smarter than everyone.
Yep just like you.
I saw this same coach coaching his team today and doing a great job at it. I noticed he didn’t even have a kid on the team he was coaching. I also noticed that his own kid was playing at the same time on a different court. He missed watching his own kid play because he stepped up to coach a team that needed a coach when no one else was stepping up to do it. That’s the spirit of a leader who cares about Mascoutah athletics. Wish his business nothing but the best.
Were you in attendance? I don’t think so because you would have seen he was defending one of his players from getting hurt. Another typical Mascoutah complainer! And he is putting his money into promoting our youth. I will take that type of guy everyday!
At the 4th grade level if the coach got ejected that person should not be a coach. If you can’t keep yourself under control you shouldn’t be coaching. No reason to argue wtih a ref. The ref isn’t going to change there minds on the call. So what’s the point.
The point was, the safety of the players. No coach wants to see their players get hurt, especially in a situation where a referee could have taken control of the aggressiveness of the game, and prevented any injuries from occurring.
First off, how many times do you need to be told it was not the fourth grade girls basketball coach? At least try to keep that straight. Unfortunately, the 4th grade coach is getting raked over the coals when he had nothing to do with any of this! Second, the point is this, the children need to learn to play the game properly. If a ref is not calling fouls and there’s a possibility of someone getting hurt they need to be told about it. Refs can be wrong too. If what I am reading here in these comments is true, it sounds like parents of these kids appreciate this coach for stepping up. We are all human and we all make mistakes. I bet you have made mistakes in your life too. I guess you would rather have the 5th grade girls not have a team at all? Oh, and if you truly have never made a mistake in your life, I would say you should run in the next election for President of the United States, because our country is in dire need of an infallible leader. Now that’s a subject worth sounding off about.
I agree, IF is the word here. You busy bodies don’t bother reading the comments fully . Typical small town mentality.
“There minds”? Try using “their minds”. Go back to school. You have a lot to learn.
This town has a lot of English teachers.
This coach “you heard” about doesn’t even coach 4th grade, second this coach goes out of his way every chance he gets to help out this community. I’m guessing you probably sit on your butt and do nothing for this community since you post anonymously. If you weren’t there to see it for yourself and understand the circumstances and protecting his players “which none of are his own kids” please do us all a favor a shut your mouth. When you start an “anonymous” post “I heard” your clearly someone who has a vendetta against said coach. I got an idea, how about get off your butt and do something in this community instead of sitting behind a phone or computer and post trash like this. Just “Keeping it Classy”…
Those poor coaches both 4th & 5th grade, and 4th had nothing to do with at all, Volunteer their time and someone with an axe to grind, vendetta, whatever you want to call it posts something like this. Trying to hurt peoples reputation when I know who both these coaches are and they both go out of their way to do everything they can to help with these kids and community at a drop of hat. Always the first to volunteer their time, if someone needs something they will be there, whether they even know them or not. These are the types of people I want in my community and coaching my kids.
I would say Mr. Anonymous I would reach out to both of those coaches, show yourself and apologize because nothing is really ever anonymous.
Yes, he is a pompous idiot. Thinks he is above everyone. Now you have his sister in law and others on here trying to defend him. Then you have loud mouth challenging the world. Lol pure entertainment
How difficult is it to end a meeting on time? Many of us are busy parents getting our kids to and from after school events or sports. My kids director has no concept of time. Nine timed out of ten they are past the time the meeting is supposed to be. Please need to be mindful of others time.
Happens to me all the time.
Any commenting on here will do what?
I know. I picked up son from choir practice today, he was supposed to get out at 4:15. Twenty minutes later he walks out of school. This caused me to get home later to cook dinner in time to get another child to her destination on time. No respect for time.
Why would a high school student Boo the Winterguard at today’s assembly? I just to be jerk.
What’s a winterguard?
Well, I could be wrong but I believe Winterguard was an old, old wooden ship used during the Civil War Era.
I guess he couldn’t make the squad and he’s retaliating like a 5th grader.
Who is all running for City Council? Starting to see some signs pop up around town.
baker, battas, hawkins, anybody else? who’s seats are up
Battas and Korman are running for one seat that was vacated by Elbe before his term ended. Baker Hawkins and Wyant are running for the 4-year term 2 seats are up. There iare 2 separate elections for seats in April
Time for new voices
I believe Moses Horwitz, Louis Feinberg and Jerome Horwitz are also running for city council seats.
I think Louis, Moses and Jerome would do a great job as city council members.
Finally Colorguard/Winterguard getting some recognition on Tribe Talk on Friday. About time. Now in the fall Tribe Talk needs to do a segment on Band who work just as hard as Colorguard/ Winterguard.
The band doesn’t need a segment they already get enough recognition.
What planet are you on? Sports gets more than another club at school.
What is wrong with recognizing these young people for their hard work & efforts.
Want to talk about a fine group of young people that goes unnoticed. The Mascoutah Trap Tribe, goes unnoticed for their accomplishments, both academics and their accomplishments on the Trap Field.
what is trap tribe?
Here we go again.
Agreed, more whinning about my kid don’t get his name in the school paper.
What is Tribe Talk?
It’s a student-produced program that highlights various school activities. It’s actually pretty cool. It’s on YouTube.
What is a color guard and winter guard?
Agreed, looks like no one knows what it is. It must be a secret.
I think back in the 90’s they were called the flagettes.
I am thoroughly confused and mindblown. In what world do we need to see recognition for people who spend their days spinning a flag instead of getting some actual exercise. I would rather see tribe talk have a blank screen than have to hear about these kids. Go hit the gym.
I’m surprised they posted your comment. You might hurt someone’s feelings by telling the truth.
Winterguard not only spins a flag but dance as well. You have no idea what you are talking about. That is part of the problem.
Well then fill us in on what it is. Enough comments ask what they are.
Can you spin a flag, toss it and catch it, while in unison with the rest on the group? Also have to dance in unison?? Why be such a jerk. There are many types of exercise. Going to the gym is one, dancing and spinning a flag is another
If you can get a scholarship to college spinning a flag then have at it. If not, it seems pointless.
Why such a Debbie Downer? The girls and guys in Winterguard love it.
Debbie Downer?? you mean Doggie Downer?
You can
Pointless to you. Thank God not to all. We have kids being active and something they enjoy. Give them credit.
Utility bills in Mascoutah are a joke. What a crock. Typical hillbilly dumb dumb, Illinois rural politicians, who think they are important, making big time decisions. Newsflash, you’re not. You’re a nobody. L0sers.
What do you really think??
Great stuff
Wow look in the mirror
I can’t even run a bath once a week. Costs an extra $40 bucks a month. How about the flat fee for the new sewer plant? Good job on strategic planning! Some real blue chippers running City Hall.
Time to move if your bath tube is that big.
Hey you spelled tub incorrect. We need one of the towns Englsh teacher in here to let us know it was mispelled.
The present politicians have nothing to do with why the power bills are high. It started back in the 60’s. So calm down
Wrong.
I remember when all that was going on. People running the town back then wanted the town to never grow and had there own telephone, power, and water co. We couldn’t even call 1 mile out of town and it was a long distance call. It still might be that way for all I know. Now the power company is haunting the city. Have fun living there.
How come no one is talking about the new 55+ Kappert subdivision that was sold as a retirement community but now since they couldn’t sell it they opened it up to anyone. Would hate to be anyone who was sold that lie by them.
Or how it is being built around an old Indian burial ground. All around that area, strategically placed homes. Fact check that with a SIUC study. Have you seen poltergeist?!
Seems misleading if that’s true about retirement homes and now opening it up. Hope no one invested in it for those purposes.
Can’t imagine people wanting to live in that mosquito infested area.
Look up the Indian burial ground comment, it’s real!
Same with the dummy’s that bought a house by the sewer plant.
That’s not near any burial grounds. Mosquito’s are just as bad everywhere else in town. If you going to make up stuff, make it where facts won’t get in the way.
It is facts, if there was a way to post the siuc study, you would see. Do research! Or maybe someone post the study and the Illinois gov report. And for mosquitoes, holy crap they are bad back there. Before you buy, go check it out in spring and summer!
You do know the comment is talking about the sub where the assisted living building is?? No burial grounds, and why would the mosquito’s be bad there?
DO YOUR HOME WORK ABOUT THE INDIAN SETTLEMENT!
Maybe they did and don’t care. What’s wrong with that?
No one is talking about because most of us aren’t busy bodies.
I was wondering the same thing
Congratulations to the state of Illinois, as of last night, many of your neighbors and friends will now be felons if they don’t go and register their semi-auto guns with the IL State Police within 300 days (So that another politician can knock on their door next year and take them with a mandatory buy-back program). All of this of course will make all of you safer, as removing the constitutional rights of law abiding gun owners is proven sound policy that will fix cities like Chicago where they already have the toughest gun laws and constantly release habitual criminals. For those that still believe Illinois politicians when they say “Trust Us” we aren’t coming for your guns, I think Academy has a sale going on for BB guns; at least you’ll have something when they finally figure out a way to get rid of Cash Bail…..For the rest of us, Missouri, Tennessee or Florida is looking pretty appealing.
See ya later..
You do sound like Florida Man
Agreed, if you don’t like it, leave then. Simple
Unless you are an IS disabled vet, stay, we pay you to live here. Sorry, you have aches and pains or stressed because you did your job.
P.s. comment not intended to those who truly need it/deserve it (war vets). Tired of the entitled welfare.
And here he goes again….
Another jealous whinner that never served in the military.
Wow…you got some serious beef with these IS folks…lol. Your comments will not change anything. Learn to live with it or maybe think about moving so you can live your life in happiness.
“Your comments will not change anything. Learn to live with it or maybe think about moving so you can live your life in happiness.” This could be applied to most comments on here.
Why would a person need a semi automatic in the first place?
Actually that’s not the point. If you can ignore the 2nd amendment and make your own laws, what’s next??
2nd Amendment in full: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” That’s it, all of it, period.
Notice it says “A well-regulated militia”. Meaning something akin to the NATIONAL GUARD, A STATE REGULATED MILITIA. A group of people defending the state. Nowhere does it say an individual has the right to defend themselves with military grade assault weapons, which didn’t exist at the time.
As in: “Being necessary to the security of a free STATE”.
Why do you care more about owning a weapon of war which has no practical purpose in our society? And far more important, why don’t you care about our kids being slaughtered repeatedly in our schools by these weapons of war?!?
I keep hearing Assault Weapon, is there a definition for this such thing?
Need to learn what an assault weapon is. Obvious you have no clue and shouldn’t comment on this
“being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”. Did you happen to notice the commas leading to two other thoughts? The militia were farmers using their own weapons, that they owned. These muskets were the same technology the regular Army was using. That makes them “military grade assault weapons”.
There are no provisions in any constitution for the police to risk their lives to save yours. Heck, look at St Louis MPD. They don’t respond to a lot of shots fired calls. Who is protecting the people of St Louis? It’s not the tax payer paid law enforcement. The citizens are left on their own
“Why do you care more about owning a weapon of war which has no practical purpose in our society?” Ummm, for the people who enjoy collecting, owning and shooting them with no malicious intent to our effed up society; why should it bother you? Why have you not pressured the law makers you voted in to do more mental health or health care period?
The sponsors of the passed bill were from areas where the weapons were ALREADY BANNED. No one told you that did they? The p.o.s that shot up Highland Park had already raised several red flags and Illinois State Police did nothing.
Your fat effin darling of a governor took money from the gun industry. It’s rumored the the fat s.o.b plans on running for president in 2024. This whole thing was a public relations stunt so he can say did it.
I can only hope that something that you truly enjoy comes up on a list to be regulated. Is your car capable of doing more than 70 miles an hour? Off to the shredder with it. Yeah you bought it legally, but now it’s considered a 5000lb missile and needs to be confiscated.
Why don’t you use your favorite search engine and look up “mass stabbings”. What? you never heard of them? Hmmm, I wonder why. I’m going to write federal and state law makers asking they create a bill to ban knives over 2 inches long. Can’t hit my internal organs that way. Your military grade chef’s knife scares me.
It was the go******d individual who pulled the trigger not the rest of us. And since the criminals won’t have these weapons, law enforcement won’t need theirs or their military surplus armored vehicles either.
Can’t help but notice you left out your reply as to why you’re ok with our kids being slaughtered in our schools?!?
Why would you need an automatic weapon in the first place?
A politician with common sense would have folks register their ammunition instead of their weapon(s).
The important nugget is guns do not kill people, ammunition does.
HAHA, yeah stop throwing ammo at people.
Politician or almost any office holder with common sense! Where can you find one? They have to put it and their balls in a lock box when they attend a meeting that they were elected to.
Why not? I have some that are fully automatic and some that are semiautomatic. All of the guns are hidden away so none of my kids will ever find them. I could ask why someone needs a car or motorcycle that can go 150-250 MPH?
Why not? Automatic weapons are not the problem. I have several and haven’t killed anyone with them. The problem is with some of the individuals that have automatic weapons. Most of the school shootings are due to bullying that the schools shrugged off as “kids just being kids”. After almost every school shooting, students and teachers talk about how the shooter was a loner, was bullied, or had no friends, or dressed weird, etc., etc., but no one ever talks about whether they tried to befriend or help the person or even just say something nice to the person. I’m surprised that school shootings don’t happen more often.
That is so true. Never looked at it that way, but you are so right.
I was told today Route 4 has two possible plans in the future. It will be moved east from its current flow from Route 161 north to Interstate 64 or it will go away all together. Can anyone verify? The person I heard it from is currently working for the Boeing project(s) by the airport. Thank you.
Heard in past it could get moved east if ever had to expand to more runways. But idk if ever really decided
If they are expanding the runway to the east of 4, I can’t see rerouting 4 around it and then go back to the over pass. And putting in a new over pass just for route 4 seems insane. But, this is Illinois so you could be right.
I am hearing Boeing has or is in the process of purchasing 80 acres from St. Clair County directly across from Route 4 to start on Phase 2 of an expansion. Boeing is requesting the State of Illinois to move Route 4 near Machine Shop Road to thwart traffic from flowing through the complex when Phase 2 is approved. A new interchange would be put in and Route 4 would be reconnected behind the truck stop and Huddle House. I wonder how eminent domain will play out with homes and farmland in the mix?
Why expand the runway when Allegiant is the only airline that uses the airport now. There isn’t now and probably will never be any cargo flights. No money to be made on cargo flights from MidAmerica .
It’s good to see that everyone’s life must be going smooth lately. No complaining or anything.
So happy the public school is getting rid of the gifted class for 5th graders. The teacher has her favorites who can afford to go on her overnight field trips. Some kids are bullied because they can’t afford to go while others can. It’s unfair to the kids who can’t afford these special trips.
My son was in the gifted program in 4th and 5th grade. We had no issues. He is now in high school and taking honors and AP courses. He never went on any overnight field trips or weekend trips in his two years in the gifted program. He was never bullied or saw anyone getting bullied
My kid was in the advanced class. There was never an overnight field trip. There was an opportunity provided to families if they wanted to take advantage. We didn’t, there was no bullying. The advanced class is there to provide some students with a more challenging environment. That’s important, and can set them up for more success in the future. If it is truly gone, that’s a shame. Just another example of the “everyone gets a trophy” mentality. How dare we separate out students. We wouldn’t want to offend. Insert eye roll.
So go make more money as a parent, & pay your kids bills. Not rocket science. You chose to bear offspring.
Classy responce.
crappy spelling
Yeah, this seems to be a one-off experience to me. Both of my kids were in that class, we never went on the optional trips, for scheduling reasons. Not one repercussion and no disparate treatment from the teacher. That class and the teachers who dedicate their time to it and the students are a huge asset to this school district. However, I’m not judging the decision of the school board to change it, as I believe they have the overall best interests of the students in mind. If they feel the needs can be addressed in a different manner with even more positive impact, so be it. That’s what we elected them to do and I trust their judgement.
Sounds like someone is just jealous and wants everyone to win. Some are smarter than others. Just a fact of life. No wonder society is in the tank
Hoping everyone had a great Christmas!! Happy New Year to all, wishing for an awesome 2023!
I know nothing about Mascoutah’s program, but was in a “gifted” class as a 4th grader. For me: fine re science and English, but problematic re arithmetic/math – which isn’t my greatest subject. Teacher jumped forward significantly from where third grade had left off, increasing my personal distancing from the subject. Fourth grade is when fractions and percentage are introduced; I had problems for decades with these since I never got a full introduction that met me at my level. I’m all for enrichment programs of all sorts, but leery of “tracking” students, esp. in elementary school.
Parents of high school kids need to have a chat with their young drivers. I picked up my kids and I witnessed several kids speed in the parking lot or almost running into other kids.
Like some adults, in a hurry to get somewhere else. Problem is the drivers in a hurry ( young & older) sometimes dont make their destination. Slow down people you’ll get there soon enough!
Snow is in the forecast later this week. All better slow down.
Probably just taking their cues from the buses…
I’d your so concerned about the bus drivers abilities and or speed, why don’t you come to the bus barn and file a complaint or better yet grab an application and lead by example.
Been there, done that, nothing ever changes, and I have a job, thanks anyway.
Typical quiter, I did one thing it didn’t work so I’ll just give up and complian.
Unfortunately too many of these young drivers speed through their neighborhoods as well, especially in the mornings. Perhaps they can learn to slow down and leave earlier to get to school on time.
It’s so funny people that tend to be late all the time, leaving earlier so you can be on time doesn’t cross they’re minds. Simple common sense.
A teen in a black Ford Mustang sped out of the packing lot the other day.
PSA to all parents of high schoolers: our kiddos have finals next week! Please allow them to study over the weekend so they can improve and maintain their grades! I have heard only a few classes are doing review for the final so most students are needing silent study time over the weekend.
If only we could go back to the days when students were not required to take finals. If only these MAGA supporters knew that CorOna-19 posed just as much of a risk now as it did three years ago.
Congratulations on making the most inane, tangential and irrelevant comment in 2022. That’s quite an accomplishment!
Yes!! Covid was real & still is!! I wish people believed it’s serious. Sad so many had to die because of all the lies told about Covid. Even Trump got the vaccine!!
haha how did this go from kids taking finals to another whinning liberal ???
Sorry to offend anyone, but covid is still here! I’d rather be safe than sorry, or worse. Being safe for yourselves & others is a good thing. I really don’t see any whining from others, they are just saying what they believe. Nothing wrong with that.
Covid wasn’t the topic.
Schools today put too much emphasis on test scores, when will the libs realize that the character of a person is so much more important. My son is a welder and makes more money than these liberal students coming out of college AND is in no debt.
You are so correct. If you can build, or fix something, you are in big demand. 6 figures isn’t out of reach for anyone these days.
Thank you for spreading the message! There is not enough outreach done by the school to keep us parents updated on our children’s lives! There will be plenty of studying done by the folks at our household this weekend.
Are you sure?? I was told our babies had finals this week and dint have to come back next week.
How awesome is the lighted parade in town? I don’t know who organizes that, but bravo. The big tree by City Hall is pretty amazing as well.
Only suggestion would be great if the parade could be tied into the lights at the park somehow. The park needs a centerpiece right in the middle where the beer tents are for the Homecoming. I don’t recall the organization that has the little light up construction equipment, but they could probably build something!!
Way to go townspeople…It is starting to come together!!
Parents of high school students need to have a discussion with their kids this evening. My son witnessed some racial language from an Asian student and a black student. The Asian student called the black student a racial language, black student asked the Asian stop and he did not. Causing a fight between the students.
That’s really sad to hear. Unfortunately it’s either learned from home or from one’s peers! We must teach our children not to judge anyone by skin color!
It’s something that goes on in every country of the world. Every single race on the planet has individuals that are racist (sometimes even to people within their own race). It has always existed and to a certain degree it always will .
You should have been here in the 60’s and 70’s. Kids treated everyone the same. It was the parents back then that were the races. Some black families were actually run out of town back then.
I was there! (60s & 70s) And you are sooo right. My parents, Grandparents & Aunts, Uncles were all prejudice. We weren’t, we accepted everyone no matter what race or background they were from. Raised my kids to be open to all cultures, races, and all people. Feeling very blessed for all I have learned then & now!
It’s sounds like kids being kids.
It is kids learning from their parents.
Or maybe they learn it from all of the rap music that spews the stuff all the time or maybe from friends
Racism was here long before Rap music!
If so that’s a terrible thing! Kids grow up with what they know from childhood, which leads to more racist adults!
Mascoutah McDonald’s is having a rough go lately. 3 orders with a missing item just in the last few weeks. The manager needs an attitude check and lesson in customer service. A simple sorry goes a long way.
It’s McDonalds people, stop eating crappy food! Now we see the idiots getting over priced coffee and microwaved sandwiches. The I.S. Movement!
I usually just get soda from mcd. It’s cheaper then anywhere. But even a simple soda they cant get right. 40% of the time is the wrong soda.
According to the MHS Smoke Signals Scott Battas is the Athletes/ Activities Diector, therefore he school promote ALL ACTIVITIES, not just athletics. That includes, band scholer bowl, Robotics and all other activities, not just sports. All activities deserve to me promoted.
So, basically, what he’s been doing? Get a grip, man.
Man, he only promotes sports, not ALL activites.. Since he is the Athletic/ Activities Director, he needs to promote ALL ACTIVITIES
OMG!! not this again.
The guy only gets 6 figure salary, so leave him alone.
I think it makes more sense to have as a title the athletic/athletic activities director. There are many more activities besides athletics, so I don’t think he’s the director of all activities
Stirring the pot again…people better wake up and realize what they have before it’s gone. Scott has done more for this school than you realize. He could work anywhere, probably for more money, but he doesn’t. He loves our school and our community. Stop complaining.
Band, robotics, any activity other then athletics isn’t his job, You spelled it out yourself Athletes Activites Director. Lighten up and stop going through this all the time.
Is it too early to start talking about the city council elections?
What’s there to talk about
As Long as they help Mascoutah, not hurt Mascoutah.
Who is even running?
We need to get these clowns out, people that actually care, not just how to raise revenue!
Are you running? What have they all done that is so bad?
Who is running and when is the election?
Primary in Feb if enough run and then general election in April
Just heard Donald Trump will run in 2024. God I hope he does not win.
I’m thinking he fractures the republican party even more.
If the only two candidates are Trump and Biden, then I hope Trump wins. Hopefully, neither one will run since they both are just too damn old.
Don’t forget brainless
I read that the military is having recruitment problems (can’t meet the numbers they want to recruit). Must be hitting the Navy really bad because they just increased their maximum age to enlist to age 41. That seems like a really late age to enlist in the Navy. My son is getting ready to graduate high school and still kind of unsure about his next phase of life. I know it won’t include the military. Apparently, none of his friends are interested in joining the military either.
Is there any other home owner in Mascoutah that had their 2022 property tax increase by at least 20% over taxes for 2021? Mine sure did and the home is 31 years old with no home improvements . I have been retired 3 years now and have trouble accepting this.
There’re are still a lot of Qanon dummies out there. The conservatives that were sucked it to trump, finally are figuring it out and won’t vote for him. So there’s a chance it won’t happen.
Hope he doesn’t get the nomination but if he does then hope to hell biden doesn’t win.
Well if he’s nominated,you could always vote for Biden,Harris,or who knows the left wing media is already preaching that Fetterman is the next up and coming star,good luck with that!!!
Who ever runs, it’s going to be a circus!🤡
Is nobody concerned about our already outragous property taxes going to go up another 11 percent? Nobody but I.S. people will be able to afford to live here soon!
Well, that is 35 plus percent. 52 percent of homes north of park. He’s a real question. Since we have all these disabled people, why don’t we see handicap parking for them? I mean, I know the definitions are different, but if you can get free taxes, still work and get up to $4k a month tax free because you have a cpap and other items, I’d love to see all the parking spots they would have to put in. For those that actually served in war, got hurt in line of duty, thank you. The rest are ghetto babies.
It’s my understanding that conservatives are blaming the high inflation we have been in, on Biden. Why? The WHOLE WORLD is going through high inflation. How did Biden do all this?? Why do I have a feeling conservatives will blow this election again. Change my mind…please
If your thinking that only conservatives are blaming the president, then your not paying attention. Areas in Florida that Biden won by double digit numbers voted for Desantis during the election. Basic economics: Purposely driving up the cost of fuel by shutting down domestic oil production increases the cost of transportation and thus, the cost of goods. Added to this a supply chain crisis created as a result of COVID lockdowns we are now told by the ones directing them were a mistake, causes the prices to go up. But to ease your mind, conservatives only blew it in Illinois, as obviously everyone is pretty happy with the last two years here.
I guess inflation doesn’t bother liberals.
Which president gave the 1st 2 stimulus checks? It sure wasn’t Biden. That is what started this whole inflation issue.
haha, stop watching CNN or Fox. Learn the facts
It doesn’t impact those that get things free because they are entitled and feel they earned it! I don’t even have to say who we are talking about, you all know! The new welfare group.
You got that right, I’ll take that easy money.
Joe Biden said democracy is under attack. He’s correct. The donkey pox virus is destroying democracy.
That’s code for: We’re about to lose control
Missed the Band playing at the high school football game on Saturday. Lov watching the half time show and listening to the pep music.
Same here.
Too bad the playoff game was scheduled on the same day as the bands last competition.
I think the band actually added that competition and then the football game was scheduled. Just an unfortunate coincidence.
Sports always needs to be center of attention. Nothing is more important then them.
It’s a football game so it should be the center of attention. What’s your point??
What about a job? Or maybe school? I mean you can’t play if you are failing 2+ classes…
Band competitions are on Saturdays and football games are normally on Fridays. It would of been nice for the band to be able to perform and play pep music..
The athletes always get recognized and we are informed with their events. When was a band competition, scholar bowl or activity other than sports inform the public of the upcoming events.
Probably because not enough people would go to warrant the energy to inform anyone.
Instead of constantly complaining maybe you should take the initiative to spread the word about the band events
sounds like athletes parents and band parents butting heads on which one is more important,sure hope they keep it on here and don’t teach their kids to do the same things,it all starts at home!!!
The Mascoutah School District approved $49,000 for a trip for 71 employees?? Are you kidding me? Do you know how many people in this city doesn’t even make $49,000 a year??? This is why residents become so frustrated with the district. They have no sense of money. They have it, they spend it. I’m sure that $49,000 could have been spent for something more beneficial to the students.
Where did they go for that much money???
The article says a conference in St Charles MO. I’m guessing they are really heading to the Bahamas.
That’s like $700 per employee. That isn’t unreasonable. $7,000 per person would be unreasonable. I support and trust it’s for a good cause. We have to invest in our people. P.s. from a local tax payer
Agreed
Yeah, isn’t that why we pay taxes, to enhance our educational system locally? The PLC Conference seems to be a well-reasoned expense for our educators. Also coming from a taxpayer.
Seems like a pretty good deal.
I thought there was an ordinance about not parking RV’s in town. What about the huge RV in the parking lot on Harnett St. in the State Farm Insurance parking lot. It maybe a private parking lot, but driveways are on private property also. What an Eyesore!
I think it looks good. Made me look into getting one. Just worry about your own life. Keep your nose out of other people’s business.
There are a few parked in places they probably shouldn’t. Is it really that big of a deal. I don’t think so.
I agree… there seems to be campers parked all over town.
Your point is?
Maybe it’s just a cheap place to park it. That way, the owner only pays for what they need. Wait, wrong company
Well the military folk have plenty of cash to spend on RV’s, big trucks they don’t need, & flashy Jeep Wranglers, since they don’t pay property taxes, don’t pay grocery taxes, & don’t have to pay for their kids colleges…… just to name a few.
Agree, these people, feeling entitled because they can use the system and claim disabled are a joke. If they truly did go to war, they deserve it and i am sorry for them. Please take care of them. For the rest that CPAPS, or PTSD, or back hurts, ankle hurts, get a life.. in the real world.. that’s called sweet equity. The community is waking up and tired of you getting a free lunch because you feel you risked your life. You are causing more pain while you get your free money and buy things and going out to dinner. Hold you head up high, I Served plates. Games over!
Growing up, we all saw people drive around in fancy cars, have expense clothes and names brand purses, etc. they would go into a store and pull out a roll of money and then pay for things with food stamps. That is what we see now with all this disability money.
Being truly physically or mentally disabled requires support to have a reasonable good life. That is what it is designed for. If your working or able to work, you don’t, and you use the money for cars, clothes, vacations, dinner out all the time, then you are what you are.
You have to look in the mirror and say, but I signed up so I deserve this. No, it’s being used for the wrong purpose. Think about it. Your the same as those in welfare abusing the system. Harsh but true!
Discounted home insurance, and auto insurance on those expensive vehicles too.
Nope, those are the facts. I work for the VA. In fact, major investigations are building up for those who lied and misinterpreted information about in service injuries, miss use of funds (excessive spending on non-needed its, cars, kids cars, boats, motorcycles, etc.). VA benefits are design to help those who have in service injuries. If those injuries have improved, due to surgery, therapy, weigh loss, etc., those benefits should be lowered. We support our troops, 100%, but not those committing fraud or abusing a system for their own luxury gain. Those that are legit, you will be fine, those that aren’t 😉
All facts, military and civilians are getting tired of the fraud and entitled luxury. Stop being a snow flake.
Or maybe they just have the Donkeypox virus.
Well let’s just say… every post about us true. I’ve seen it and heard it first hand. It REALLY is a shame. I hope it changes soon.
Just in time for Veterans day, Mascoutah definately doesn’t dissapoint. A conversation that started off whining about somebody’s RV naturally reverts to those Veterans who are getting a tax break. One that almost every state offers in one form or another. Here’s a thought. Why instead of tearing up the Vets don’t you scream about the politicians who voted for this measure, and better yet, why don’t you talk to your neighbors who voted for the politician that voted for the measure. I guess its too easy to blame the recipient who was I’m sure in harms way, when you passed this legislation and now they are the problem.
Agreed, but people that “SOUND OFF” don’t want to bother with fact on how this program works. They rather make stuff up. Keep it coming Mascoutah, you’re cracking me up.
You must be one of those people that are abusing the system. SHAME on you!! There are vets that need help but can’t get it because they don’t know how to work the system!!
You should volunteer your time to help these vets that you say they don’t know how to work the system. And if you don’t, SHAME on you for not wanting to help them.
Believe it or not, a lot of these people were never in harms way. A large percentage of them have never been in combat or even near a combat zone. When the VA denies a lot of the “disability” claims, the claimant hires organizations/lawyers that will fight the VA until they give in and approve the claims. Apparently just being in the military nowadays causes disabilities. That’s just one more reason I don’t want my teenager joining the military.
There is no doubt that military employees can be in harms way, so can police officers, ambulance workers, etc. etc. The reality is, those benefits were designed for those that have been hurt and can not function to live a normal life. It is not an entitlement to get those things because your boots hurt your feet or your responsibilities while enlisted made your body hurt. What someone put above is the facts. Yes, there are lawyers, tons of them, feeding off the vets and helping them get undeserved benefits. If you were actually in a war, that created physical or mental issues, you should be helped. If you served and just don’t want to pay taxes, get free money and send your kids to whatever school they can get into, then your ghetto as hell. I pray the vets that need the help are getting it, work with many Army and Marine vets that are seriously impacted but get nothing. Air Force, you get a splinter and tell them you are stressed, here comes the money train. Very sad! And for the comment on Veterans Day coming up, for the IS Disable Vets abusing the system, we can’t wait for you to walk around to have people say “Thank you for your service”, mean while working the system because you feel entitled. FAKE
So wait–there is no RV parked on Harnett Street?
Surprised it isn’t wrapped with the insurance agents face on it
My son was driving on 161 heading to the high school yesterday and I would just like to say thank you to the black SUV for almost causing an accident at 6th Street and 161 for being in a hurry and cutting us off. I would also like to say thank you to the silver SUV for also being in a hurry for passing us for going the speed limit of 55. SLOW DOWN and stop being in a rush.
That is why police need to patrol the area.
The Mascoutah police also need to be aware that people do walk all over town. Nothing wrong with that, but when someone calls about a suspicious male who is just walking because of no vehicle and needs to get places that’s ridiculous. My son walks, is clean cut & well dressed. Why must people feel the need to harass a person who is just walking!!??
That sounds like more of an issue with overzealous citizens than an issue with the police.
Yes, I think you got that right!! Feel sorry that the police have to deal with these kind of citizens. Doesn’t that cost money that could be better used? I’m not sure, just asking.
Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce members and volunteers who had anything to do with putting on the 2022 Mascoutah Fall-fest. It was such a nice event. There was something there for everyone; car show, a few kids activities, lots of food and bunches of craft vendors. I for one appreciate all the work that went into the event.
It’s sure was Be cool if could have a German biertent setup .
There was a trailer there selling Oktoberfest
Yes but like a tent and such. More like the real Oktoberfest
Nothing says authentic Oktoberfest like a tent
There was a German band there too. I don’t think it was intentionally designed to be like a real Oktoberfest but there were hints of it throughout. If there was any more, it would be called Oktoberfest and not the Fall Fest
The state is broke. They need the cops to watch the roads and catch the speeders and the non signal drivers. They could make a ton of money for the state.
I definitely agree.
All I can say is Amen!! Our street is 25 miles people go so so much faster! Ridiculous & dangerous all around.
You must have just moved to the midwest. Keep your eyes open.
No I grew up in East Alton/Roxana area. Lived in several other states, but came back years ago. Drivers are worse than ever around here, unfortunately.
What is your definition of a ton of money?
It wouldn’t even make a dent.
Cops are doing just fine.
No they aren’t.
They drive up and down the streets passing numerous state and local laws and do nothing about it.
It’s not just Mascoutah. The same exists with other municipalities, counties, and the state.
I doubt it. Do you know what percentage of a speeding ticket fine goes to the local municipalities? Very little
Drivers in Mascoutah are horrible. Can’t drive across town without seeing someone running stop signs, someone riding your tail when you’re going the speed limit, getting cut off, etc. I am genuinely surprised there aren’t more accidents in town with the way people drive.
The state is broke due to overalls employment in the political sector, giving out money and not requiring people to pay taxes.
If you want to fix the state problem, be part of the solution.
Don’t take advantage of programs that you either need to lie about or financially you really don’t need it. I.E. IS welfare program.
Vote out all theses government jobs that don’t produce any results. We forget working for any form of the government is a public service.
Stop excessive government spending!
Illinois has more political offices than any state around us. I agree we need to have less government and save some money. Can anyone tell me what Townships do? With the exception of the highway departments within the townships I can’t see anything other than some charity things, like collecting school supplies and coats at winter. Why do we need this government office. Can’t the county or local cities pickup the road commissioners stuff. What a waste of tax payer money.
I agree with most townships are a waste. Now Mascoutah township, those workers are a tune machine. Ask any farmer and they love what they do.
What takes so long to announce a candidate for the open city council seat? I’m sure the mayor is making sure he can find an ultra liberal person that thinks the same way he does. Hopefully the rest of the council doesn’t allow it! Hopefully it doesn’t take the same timeframe that they did to find a new city manager.
Read the Agenda for the upcoming City Council meeting.
Looks like another video slots place is going in next to the Herald. Is this the type of business we want our small town to have? I think it’s time to look at the city’s economic development committee for their lack of commitment to helping attract businesses that would lift our town up. Cant keep blaming the mayor or city manager but these people are equally at fault.
We are talking a about a town that puts faith in a volleyball coach that has destroyed the mental health of young women in exchange for a mediocre win/loss record. A town with crumbling sidewalks and curbs on along our Main Street. A town with school busses that violate driving rules. A town whose employees ignore roadkill instead of making an effort to clean it up. A town with a great bike trail that is dangerously dark at night. And a town that has allowed slots in every possible business. Seems appropriate that we get another gambling establishment. But this is just my opinion.
I agree about sidewalks and curbing along Main St., but what about the street itself? I realize that’s a State Highway, but you would think the City would be pushing to get it redone and done right. Not like the last time the State just resurfaced it. There is no parking along Main St. even for the existing businesses. The only grocery store needs to improve quality and prices to attract new patrons. Belleville and Fairview Hts are too close to entice any serious businesses. Last but not least the City Workers are doing better (lots better) than 5 years ago.
How do you know the City isn’t pushing to get Main Street redone in an expedient fashion? Have you talked to City officials about this? If you have an inside track to IDOT, please share with them. And, I thought there was a parking lot next to the Post Office for patrons on Main Street but, maybe that changed in the last hour since I’ve been there. And, the new grocery store is in the process of making improvements, I’m pretty sure I read that in this fine newspaper not too long ago. Do you realize how long it takes to get a damn 2×4, let alone renovate an entire piece of property? Things take time, relax. R-E-L-A-X, as Aaron Rodgers would say. Lastly, as a business owner in town, there’s no way in Hell I’d even consider going to Belleville or Fairview, regardless of whether they have ample parking and a well-renovated grocery store. But, I do agree, our City workers are doing a great job!
Post Office parking, Bank Parking, Daubers Parking etc is for their customers.
Good luck with the state. And have you seen any of the new about the grocery store? About to undergo a multi-million roller renovation
The grocery store in town’s prices reflect that. Food is par and the prices are out of control. Don’t say it is cost of fuel, inflation, etc. etc. It is greed. Go test my theory, look at cereal or basic commodities and then look at any other store. Mascoutah is about 20-30% higher. I feel bad for the elderly that have no where else to go. As this town grows, we need more options, not fancy buildings with higher prices.
The last city manager was pushing to get it done but the current regime didn’t want all that progress.
Agree we need to attract more but what is wrong with that new place. It they think can make money and keep it in shape why shouldn’t the city allow it?
I don’t understand your comment. You want to attract business, isn’t a gambling business a business???
Mascoutah is evolving, not necessarily for the good. Gaming locations do attract a certain audience. Not saying that audience is bad, but it does. Its a easy, quick way for the owners to make money, which is why you see it in bars, restaurants and gas stations. The house always wins! Our city council and Mayor clearly want to grow the town. It probably makes them feel like “Look what we help achieved”. All in all, Illinois is in bad shape. We have a culture of entitlement. I keep seeing people talk about the “I Served” movement. Where a vast % of vets are reaping no real estate taxes, receiving up and beyond $3k a month tax free and their kids get to go to college for free. All because they work the system, while we have vets homeless that need help but they want to live in big houses, go out to dinner all the time, drive fancy cars, give their kids nice cars and still get entitled treatment into these baby sitter GS jobs. I drove around one day, north and east of town to see if this was true. Driveway after driveway, “I Served” disabled license plates, EVERYWHERE. These people aren’t disabled, what a scam.. Point is, people are going to continue to build things like Gaming places, bars, fast food, etc. when free money is flowing in an every growing population. What you will find long run is, our schools will suffer, people that pay taxes are going to get tired of it and leave it to the “I Served” group. Sorry for the rant on “I Served” but this does correlate into these types of investments and after I opened my eyes and looked around, holy crap, talk about gravy train. I hope the city is thinking very strategically, as momentum grows, unfavorable development will occur. BTW for the readers, I am a 52 year old vet, served in war and don’t claim a thing. Saw too many people get hurt and now I am seeing how entitled vets are hurting our country. Thanks politicians.
I totally agree. They need to put a cap on what you get for free property taxes on home values.
You jealous whiners still have to pay real estate tax. You poor babies. And I know for a fact your real estate tax didn’t go up that much because of this. So, just stop it.
It is not about being jealous, it is about stopping the wrong. YOU are wrong, it does impact the real estate taxes and how much money the schools get. The state and federal government does not replace what is lost. Those that are receiving disability that are not disabled are the ones reaping off of everyone else. And its not just about real estate, its about the THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS you get each month, no tax because you are disabled, but able to work (most still do). You can claim PTSD, because you “heard” of something scary. I mean what kind of snowflake crap is that. Also, your kids get to go to any school they want to in the United States for Free, if they qualify to get in. I wish they would evaluate the entire program and help those who really need it, those who have been to combat, take care of them, not letting you all entitled ones live in luxury at everyone’s expense. You didn’t give us our freedom, now your causing us our demise, you just don’t see it.
The comment said nothing about no tax. It stated the taxes didn’t go up much because of this. Learn to comprehend.
Taxes do go up when less people are paying. Learn to understand logic and math.
The way I read the comment, he/she said the taxes do go up just not very much. What are you reading using logic and math???
I thought the council past an ordinance against gaming parlors?
I believe one council member was totally against gambling parlors I’d have to look back to see which council member it was
Whatever happened with the volleyball coach and his coaching style? Is he still coaching? Did the school ever address this? When does his lawsuit come to court? It’s like no one wants to talk about it.
Yes no one wants to talk about it. Very strange.
Agree, usually this happens when hush money is negotiated. One would think he would want his side of the story communicated. What happened to the last city manager, both of them? The school and city are good about not answering questions and hoping it eventually goes away. No accountability!
What exactly would you want or expect the school to say about a pending lawsuit? Everything filed is public record, look it up yourself.
Thanks!! We will.
I want to know who purchased the sardines and turnips the athletes had to eat. Was the punishment food purchased by the tax payers?
True.. School probably can’t say anything. I have faith in the Athletic Director to do the right thing and help us protect our kids. He is a good guy that cares about the program and the kids. Politics are a tricky thing. Actions speak louder than words so lets just wait and see what happens.
“Actions speak louder than words”??? True. The district has known of the coaches’ tactics long before the lawsuit. For several years, girls and families have brought this to the administration’s attention. Many stopped playing despite their love of volleyball. Entrusted district leadership could have ended this abuse years ago… NO ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS.
PacerMonitor.com
Junker v Mascoutah Community School District et al
We don’t necessarily need more details. We know the details. There should continue to be some healthy dialogue. Children of our town were victimized by an adult under the supervision of the district. Very strange that he remains in the position and it seems incompatible with the athletic program’s values. Get a coach with a positive growth mindset. #eat
Oh, those are the details! Well, thank you for sharing! What would we citizens do without the ground-breaking information you shared? And, here I thought Walter Cronkite was dead…
Whatever!!
This comment is a joke!!! The courts are behind…. Nothing been done, so stop trying to think you know the facts when the whole truth hasn’t been revealed!
Looking forward to all the facts. Especially details of allegations and behavior from before he/they came to Mascoutah.
Allegedly victimized. The lawsuit is pending, and it’s my understanding that these things can take a while. It’s probably best to hold off on conversations about it for now. Without knowing all of the facts from both sides, it would technically be gossiping. I’m sure the information will be revealed in its entirety when everything is settled.
The coaches’ actions aren’t alleged. He stands by his system of coaching. He said that as a public comment. School should’ve done something long before now and not wait for the courts to substantiate the abuse.
Since Mr. Elbe has resigned from the City Council, I have not seen where the mayor is asking people to apply for consideration to be a member of the Council. I am sure he is going to appoint one of his cronies. This will be a huge mistake! Hopefully the rest of the council tells him no!
Agree, need someone with a real back bone!
How about Jimmy Shanks. He’s good about attending council meetings!
Maybe he should pick someone that had the commitment to run for the office originally in the election but didn’t get elected, as apposed to appointing his favorite. At least the People that lost to Elbe cared enough to run. People voted for them.
Appoint someone who couldn’t get enough votes to win the first time around? I dont know if that’s the best course of action.
I have confidence the mayor will choose someone that has the best interests of Mascoutah at heart, just like the other council members. The Council votes on it i think
Does anyone know if auto mechanics make decent money? I have a teenager in high school trying to decide what he wants to do after graduation and for now he is talking about being an auto mechanic. I told him that trades like electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians make really good money so maybe he should consider one of those careers. He doesn’t want to go to college so I couldn’t think of any other careers that would be a good way to make a good living short of a college degree.
Mechanics make good money and it’s only getting better. HVAC is another. Send him to Raken, in 2 years he’ll be able to move out of your house. haha
Once again the daily announcements on Friday for the high school only mention sports. Did you know the MHS Robotics team is competing at the Gateway Regional Conference today. Again the only mention the sporting events for the weekend and nothing else? Once again the need to recognize ALL STUDENTS, not just the athletes.
Maybe you should make sure the sponsor puts the information in the announcements.
Maybe who ever runs the Robotics team should let who ever does the daily announcements when they have a competition coming up. Simple
Did the robotics team inform anyone? Is there a schedule?
Got thieves running in town. Anyone who sees a neighbor or coworker with a used 24ft ladder call em out. Stolen last night with broken lock into my yard shed.
Are you talking about all the vets getting free money and not paying real estate taxes? That’s definitely being a thief. #ISERVED
Don’t hate the playa, hate the game
Just because you can abuse a system, doesn’t make you entitled. I’d cut it from everyone that hasn’t been to battle and anyone that has normal wear and tear on their body, just like any other civilian. You signed up to help the country, now you are a drain on it, good work.
In case you missed it, inflation, government spending and high interest rates have resulted in everybody losing 4,200 in income annually since January of 2021. Unless you applied with for COVID funds with your deceased Uncle’s social security number, and this doesn’t apply to you
Yet another whinning conservative.
Yet another grammatically-challenged liberal.
Whining is spelled “whining”. A conservative can’t complain about loosing $4200 of their annual income? That’s a pretty big chunk of change. What exactly are they allowed to complain about??
They can complain about anything they want. But if they don’t get out and do what it takes to change it, what’s the point of complaining ?? And I’m as conservative as it can be. Can’t you tell by my spelling.
Haha. I doubt it.
I guarantee all the disabled vets we have aren’t going to miss out. Go into the Air Force, retire, get a cpap and live off government welfare. I served is a joke! Just look for the plates and see!
What’s this government welfare you speak of???
I was chatting with one of the school bus drives the other day and she said the bus drivers have to go through an FBI background check, I do not think the teachers do. The teachers spend more time with our kids than the bus drivers.
Bus drivers DO NOT go through FBI background checks. Someone was just trying to sound important!
Illinois Public Act 096-0818 (passed Nov/2009) calls for finger print based background checks through both State and Federal (FBI) databases for all bus drivers. Among things reviewed are their driving offenses along with a long list of criminal offenses, any of which would disqualify the candidate. Any bus drivers working prior to the initial passing of the Public Law are grandfathered in as long as their status remains active in good standing. If anyone grandfathered allows their status to lapse, they would be required to renew their driving privileges following the current act guidelines.
A background check is conducted based off the fingerprints of a school bus driver. Fingerprints are used to check the criminal history record information files of the Illinois State Police and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation where permitted by law.
I told you so. They do go through a background check
WOW!!! What are you people going to complain about next. COVID’s about over . There is a whole good world out there. I bet not one in this thread took the time to express their concerns with the school administrators. Safety is always paramount , it’s a given. I think it’s wiser to let all the buses go at one time it’s safer for all. They aren’t teaching kids it’s ok to run traffic signs and if a kid thinks it’s ok now. Drivers Ed. and student drivings teaches the rules of the road. There are other issues we should be concerned about. Putin, Trump,Biden, sewers in town , the extreme cost of utilities in Mascoutah ,our roads , conflicts of interest on the school board and in the city administration or the high percent of children in our school who don’t have enough to eat.
First of all, this section is called “sound off”. Its purpose is to call attention to concerns in the community. You are correct though, there are lots of wonderful things around us. I want my children to continue to enjoy those things. I have a brand-new driver; she went through the district’s program and learned all of the rules of the road. The problem is, grown adults (employees of the school district paid by my tax dollars) are not following those rules. It confuses everyone on the road and will lead to accidents and already has. Everyone should be obeying basic traffic laws.
How do figure it’s safer for busses to run stop signs? Covid will never be over.
Do school buses have to follow the rules of the road? Is there some state law that I’m unaware of? Does Illinois allow school buses to have the right of way in all situations? This is pretty simple. Yes or no? I had a driver literally stick his hand out for me to stop while I was diving down Sixth Street. No… I have the right of way, sir, you have a stop sign. A little context, this bus was coming from the middle school parking lot, not loading or unloading. In fact, the bus was empty, he simply wanted to get into traffic. Something needs to be done. Police officers, city officials, school board members? Either the drivers need to follow all traffic laws, or the residents of Mascoutah and Scott AFB need to be informed that we are beholden to the big yellow bully and whatever they want to do.
Agreed. This issue needs to be addressed.
The bus drivers are teaching our kids it is ok not to stop at the stop sign.
And the crossing guard (traffic cop?) at Harnett & Sixth is teaching the kids that j-walking is okay, too.
(d) No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic-control devices pertaining to such crossing movements.
Im not positive but I’d say the grossing guards would be considered official traffic control.
I’d say “official traffic control” is a pretty loose term. Crossing diagonally causes traffic in all four directions to be stopped. Seems like crossing in the actual cross walks would be a more efficient and effective way of controlling traffic and crossing kids safely.
You people never cease to amaze me. You think you have all the answers? You know how to run the buses and the crossing guard more efficiently? Have at it… Drop your resume off at 421 West Harnett. Put up or shut up.
I already have a job, thanks for the advice though. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for the people employed by our district to follow state traffic laws. J-walking is illegal. Running a stop sign is illegal. It’s really very simple. The traffic laws are in place to keep everyone safe. When the laws are not followed, it creates a dangerous situation for everyone.
Crossing guards are hired and trained by the police department. According to il motor vehicle code..
625 ILCS 5/11-203) A school crossing guard has the same authority as a police officer when directing traffic at their duty assignment. It is against the law to willfully fail or refuse to comply with a lawful order issued by a school crossing guard. And telling a pedestrian to cross at an angle when safe to do so is a lawful order. Take your complaints to the police department. And they will stand with our amazing crossing guards. Also if the guards didn’t help with traffic you would be complaing about that.
An empty bus leaving the middle, in the morning, is on a very tight time table. They may be empty but must re run their routes again and pick up all the elementary aged kids and get them to school on time. Only empty buses leaving the elementary school are done for the morning and headed to the bus barn. Due to the school’s staggared start times, it puts a large time restraint on all of the bus drivers. Let’s give them the room and right of way to get all of our kids to school safley and on time.
I beg to differ. My route to work takes me back through town. Every morning I see buses parked along city streets with their flashers on. No driver, no children, just idle buses. Doesn’t seem like their schedule is super tight. I will not give up my right of way just because buses need to keep a schedule, we all have schedules to keep. But that’s not even my point. Do buses have to follow traffic laws or not? Obviously some believe no. I’m not one of those people. Giving up your right of way is dangerous and confusing to everyone on the road. A driver on a four lane road with no stop signs should not be slamming on their brakes because a bus driver has decided he/she has the right of way to pull out of a parking lot (with a stop sign). That puts everyone on the road in danger. For what?? A bus schedule??
My son was late for a doctor appointment because we had to wait for all of the buses to leave the parking lot.
Should have left earlier, that’s your fault!
That’s really rude of you to say it’s their fault. You do not know the circumstances. Maybe this parent left in plenty of time, ( like got there earlier than usual) and just happened to get stuck by all buses leaving. It’s a shame people can’t reply nicely!
Actually the comment probably true. They may have had to wait 2 minutes for these buses to run the stop sign. If they were late just from 2 minutes, they were going to be late anyway.
They have to follow rules but an unofficial exception of when they all leave the school at the same time. They will continue in a line instead of each one stopping
Unfortunately, the entire town hasn’t been made aware of this “unofficial exception” and the bus drivers thinking they have some unwarranted entitlement has created an unsafe driving environment. Traffic laws were written for a reason.
Been that way for over 30 years.
That’s a shame and definitely not an excuse or reason to not do better.
Empty or not, bus drivers need to follow the rules of the road. I myself witnessed a driver of an empty bus go through a stop sign at 158 and 177 which is a dangerous intersection. What if kids were on it and injured? What if he/she was hit and totaled a district owned vehicle? Unacceptable. Be safe, always.
I completely concur. Traffic laws apply equally to everyone!
Wow. Just when you think you’ve heard someone complain about everything, your post appears. A new record!
I always try to guess how old are the people posting this stuff. School bus thing seems like children posting but why would a child care about buses running stop signs. The parent’s that are mad no one pays attention to there child in band, that’s just immature.
You’re right. It’s immature to think that all vehicles using the roads would be expected to follow traffic laws…insert eye roll.
Having a problem with oomprehending the comment. Read it again. typical.
Your comment speaks volumes about immaturity.
Has ANYONE thought to write down the number of the busses and call in to the bus shed and file a complaint, or are you all just going to sit on the internet and complain about it. Yes, its a problem, yes this is a complaint forum, but maybe actually do something about it?
That’s the Mascoutah way. Cry, moan, whine about everything but, don’t have no intention of trying to fix it. Just like politics. Complain, about the other party but don’t want anything to do to change it.
I’ve contacted the bus garage several times over the past few years, nothing changes.
Don’t the cheerleaders and football player have to follow a dress code like all of the other students? I saw a couple of cheerleaders at the high school in short shorts and chop tops and a football player with no shirt. ALL students need to follow the dress code. They should not receive special treatment.
Please provide more context. Time, location,etc? Your comment is useless at the moment and just stirring the pot
It was at 3:00 yesterday at the commons for your information. The kids that don’t follow the dresscode are stirring the pot. If my daughter is told to follow the dress code, then all students need to. This is not the first time I have seen the football players and cheerleaders not follow the dresscode.
At that time of day aren’t the sport teams getting ready to practice ??
Yea school should be out. God forbid a male had his shirt off. Sounds like someone needs to take a chill pill lol
I agree. I feel the athletes and cheerleaders receive special treatment to make them look good. The bad stuff is swept under the rug.
I saw some athletes eating radishes and sardines in the gym. Seems like special treatment to me.
Here we go again
The Mascoutah High School has a $500,000+ football field, Great ! The baseball fields at the middle school are unusable. Our school district is bussing the middle school players to the high school, for their practices. The games for the middle school are played in the park. Most schools games are played at their school. The fields at the park are prepared by city workers. So we the residents, are paying for a bus driver and probably paying the city for use of the field at the park. East of the middle school there are two baseball fields which have not been kept up. The janitorial manpower should keep these fields in shape, it is not the coaches job. We don’t ask the basketball coaches to wax the gym floor, do we. We all know the district can afford to fix the baseball fields or replace them! If you are a school board member, take the time to look at these baseball fields. They need to be replaced, We need fields we can be proud to play on. Mascoutah’s pride is at stake.
I sincerely hope Mascoutah’s pride is not contingent on the condition of Middle School Baseball fields. Note taken though.
Why are the baseball fields unplayable?? If you mean after a big rain then your correct. Other then that why not use them?
Ball fields are free for mascoutah team from what I read online so no the middle school does not pay for the. Maybe better use of tax dollars to utilize existing fields. Why spend all that money on the middle school fields if can utilize great fields at the park across the street?