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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
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?
What about when varsity field floods at the HS? Does that mean we don’t have pride? Sure glad you are not in charge
There’s only so many busses so let them all go at the same time so we can all move on. No one has brought up the fact that the parents are causing safety issues when picking up their kids. Parking in an actual parking spot would help. I shouldn’t have to get into the outside lane to get around a car with its hind end almost on the road just to pull into the elementary front drive. I’ve seen the cops directing traffic, maybe they should walk around and ticket these lazy, unsafe parents!
I can PROMISE that the cheerleaders do not receive any type of special treatment. I went to school there in the last 6 years and we were constantly being kicked out of the gym even if we had it reserved. We practiced in the commons because cheer is at the bottom of the totem pole. Made it to state, didn’t get a send off like the other teams get. I don’t even think it made it on the daily announcements. For a school that is all about school spirit, the cheerleaders always get crapped on. No one even interacts with them at games.
Why do all these parents feel there child should get ” special treatment ” just because they are in a high school activity??? If you feel other programs get special treatment, then join that program. geez
Same for band and colorguard.
The band and colorguard went to Florida and marched in the Disney Parade and did not receive any send off or congrats when the arrived home. There is never an announcement of the upcoming competitions. When at the competitions it would be great to have a large cheering section.
Maybe need the parents to actually promote their group.
I can remember when the band was not allowed to practice on the football field, yet football and soccer practice happened. The athletic director was afraid that the band would ruin the real grass before truf was put in.
Agreed, get the parents of this programs do something about it instead of whining like a bunch of immature kids.
Maybe, the athletic director, administration, and directors of these programs need to stop ONLY promoting 2 sports? When was the last time Scott Battas or other admin went to a band competition? Parents shouldn’t have to step in for a school organized program. There’s so much drama about this high school, it’s ridiculous. It’s all this town focuses on. People need to grow up and get a life and stop worrying about 4 years and teenage athletes/groups.
Why is the only a fun bus for the football away games? Again football is on top. Why not provide a fan bus to ALL activities. The announcements do not mention ALL activities, just football. This makes it sound like all the school cares about is football. Nothing else.
I was wondering if our school colors have changed.
This site should be called “Sound Off for people that don’t think things through before they post.”
What is sad you see a vehicle driving around with disable veteran plate and the driver is no more disable than a man on the moon. This lady should be ashamed. Of herself.
Come on now, you’re probably not a young person, so use your brain for a second and think why would a non disabled person be driving a car with a disabled plate on the car??? Let me know if you need a hint.
Yeah but the disabled astronaut doesn’t have to fight for a parking spot. Plenty of parking there!
Why are vehicle allowed to have disable veteran license plates when they are not disable
Hmmmmm-
I am not sure why you are singling out these sports. If you would look around the school during practice hours you would find many of the teams are in workout apparel that does not meet the dress code.
Volleyball wears spanks….. can’t wear those to school
Cross country wears short running shorts,….. can’t wear those to school
The weight room sees many an athlete wearing cut off shirts….. can’t wear those to school
Shall I continue?
Once again athletes get special treatment.
Even at 80, I can remember in my youth, adults proclaiming that America “going to hell in a handbasket”. Little would they suspect that those would turn out to be the good old days. Fast forward to 1993 and the administration of Bill Clinton. How many, myself included, would trade what we find ourselves in today for, yes, the eight years of Bill Clinton. Choke. The point; when you think things cannot get any worse, you’re going to be in for, as Al Jolson swooned, “wait a minute folks, you ain’t seen nothing yet”.
Without rehashing the current political and moral State of the Union, (yes, they are intertwined) these past months and weeks should give even the most naive of our citizens a glimpse of what lies ahead. We have crossed so many lines, one wonders, just how many are left? Well, there are a few, and bordering on the unthinkable.
Even those optimist who’ve always proclaimed in challenging times that, “this is America, we’ve gone through worst and we’ve always bounced back”- are starting to see the hand writing on the wall. We’ve been weighed in the scale of justice and are left wanting.
When Alexis de Tocqueville wrote that “America is great because she is good.” it may have been a bit exaggerated, but that was then, and this is now. Hopefully,
what rises out of the coming ashes will a people, our children, who will never abuse the freedom and blessings America has provided.
In your opinion what lines have we crossed do you think we should be living in the same conditions you had 80 years ago.
Congrats to Mascoutah High School Football team for their 2nd win of the season. The cheerleaders were awesome as well. It would be great to bring that good luck on Saturday for the Band and Colorguard’s 1st performance at the Metro East Marching Classic. Let’s show some of the Mascoutah Love.
I was wondering why the Mascoutah police dept. lets all the un-licensed cars and trucks sit on 11 North August, they have been there for going on 2 years now. None of them have registered license plates. They are an eyesore.
There is a flat bed tractor trailer that sits on Poplar. Know someone who has called the cops on it because it blocks the lane/blocks field of view if you’re pulling out from ninth street. They almost got hit because they couldn’t see the car coming around the truck. It got moved, but is right back in the same spot. Cops have to know its there again but do nothing.
I was appalled after reading about the lawsuit against the school and volleyball coach. The coach needs to resign, and never be allowed to coach again. However, I can’t help but wonder about why this girl stayed on the team, and how many years did she play for this coach. If she was feeling so humiliated and degraded, why not quit? And think what a message that would have sent if the whole team had quit. And her dad was an assistant principal, did he not have any clout at all? He surely could have spoken with the coach, or athletic director to get something done.
I couldn’t agree more. I don’t fault the girl, but where was dad and the athletic director? Let’s assume they didn’t know. Does the athletic director ever talk to the kids? Observe practices? Maybe not worry so much about popularity and always being in the center of attention and make sure those kids are protected.
Dad was the assistant principal. Report says the parents and the counselor turned it in, and nothing happened. With the way the athletic department looks amazing right now with the football stadium, teams are winning, etc., I am not surprised it was swept under the rug.
Maybe nothing happened to begin with after they did their investigation. I guess you didn’t think of that.
Common sense, patience and logic are not tolerated on this site.
If that is true — nothing happened to begin with — than why were the four captains demoted and not given any feedback? Is this the heart of the issue where the school district management failed? Do we have some unchecked power in the school management?
If yes, the district now has to pay for it, and it is a shame it took a lawsuit filing for this unchecked power to be stopped.
If this ends up being a civil rights violation (come on Folks, would a lawyer take a weak case from an 18 year old that most likely lacks the funds to pay if they lose…appears legally there is a legit violation here), I personally feel no one deserves a cash settlement for an OPTIONAL sport, yet I do feel the district management needs to make some changes and be held accountable for enforcing the changes, and pay for the legal bills of the plaintiff.
Then it’s the school’s responsibility to investigate the director. Politics are thick in that school. Let’s see if there is a food truck at the tailgate. All arranged.
Say what you want but it’s not hard to see the group. It will surface.
Not sure what that has to do with anything but, I do love me some food trucks!
Funny no one mentions that the principal when all of this happened is moving to the administration building
It is NOT about playing an optional sport, it is about the treatment of kids ,AND their well – being.
I believe the athletic director is a fine example of what a school representative should be. He is for the kids….above all else. I don’t attend all of the sporting events, but he is at EVERYONE that I have seen. Perhaps he misses some here or there. He, like most humans, cannot make everyone happy. I don’t think his objective is to be popular. The AD is positive, upbeat, and trying to create a legacy for our community. He brings an energy to his profession that few in any industry can match.
When you’re a teenager who’s play a sport all their lives, its hard to quit something you’ve put so much effort in to and let the bad person in the situation win.
Could not agree more. .
This man has demonstrated poor behavior elsewhere, even with covid issues.
The girls are victims of a bully. They are not the adults in this issue.
The law firm would not have taken the case if there was not merit.
If you have other siblings in school sometimes you stay silent to protect them. If you need your job perhaps you try to work within the system.
failure to report abuse is an afront to dedicated personel.
What took place was like hazing.
The case must have arguable worth or a respected law firm would not have accepted the case.
You do realize a teenagers whole life is maybe 14 years.
Okay, its still their whole life. When you’re a teenager things like that matter. I was an athlete in high school and my world revolved around my sport. Especially when you’ve put so much time and effort in to it. I would’ve hated to be in the shoes of all the athletes who’ve been subjected to him (we all knew it was happening, the volleyball team always talked about it).
Just remember ! Innocent until proven guilty. Don’t ruin multiple peoples life on an unproven accusation. Let the court and jury try this case and not on this site. I hope there is no merit to the case, but if there is guilt all involved should be punished. One more thought. The law suit isn’t just against this coach and the district. It’s against every tax prair within the school district.
So the law suit is against locals that pay real estate taxes but still excludes disabled vets which is almost 49% north of the park? Screwed again, can’t wait till that gets over turned and real disabled vets get treatment they deserve.
It won’t get overturned. Sounds like you should join one of the armed forces. Then you can jump on the band wagon just like everyone else you cry about.
If people take their money out of First Federal, I have money there, maybe he would behave himself. I witnessed poor covid protocol at First Federal and his poor attitude about kids and masks at Holy Childhood.
Keep politics out of kid and health issues.
Poor Covid protocol? Oh you’re talking about the freedom that was given to customers and employees.
You state keep politics outside of kids and health issues, yet the school district is very political and Covid was very much so political.
One look at the performance scores of American school students should make it apparent it’s time for all schools to get out of the sports business.
Better yet: ask a high school student how to add fractions, make change for a dollar without the aid of a computerized cash register, anything about the metric system, or how to read a 12” rule.
We are failing, but MHS has nice LED lights at the stadium.
That’s part of the reason this country are so far behind in all studies. I’ve never figured out why this country pushes sports when unless your a natural at it, you end up forcing your children to do it because they couldn’t. No wonder this country is a laughing stock to the rest of the world.
What about the athletic director??? Complaints were made. Is he not subject to be investigated? Not a person attack but it’s his job not only to be a cheerleader for this school but to ensure those kids are being treated fair and safe. Period. Was the school board aware?? Is there any “friendships” between the director, school board and person of interest. We have to be careful, even the assistant principle is on the city board, think about it, collusion can happen to kee things looking good and to protect one another. We have to watch out for conflicts of interest and hold those responsible when things aren’t transparent. Lots of gray here but either way, this is mud in our faces.
Do you believe everything you read? What happened to innocent until proven guilty??? Also, what if the coach was your father, your brother, your uncle, etc…. Would you be bashing him?? The answer is NO. Follow the golden rule… treat others the way you want to be treated!!!
Oh look another band post on Facebook.
Are you jealous?
Nope. Don’t need someone crying on Facebook all the time for support for certain activities
I’ve always wondered why we “cheer for and support” the band when no one “cheers with” the cheerleaders at the games. Don’t get me wrong, the band deserves recognition as well because they put a lot of effort in. But maybe 5 people in the 3,000 person band stand interact with the cheer team. Look at Nashville. The whole crowd knows all the cheers to do with the cheerleaders. For a school and town that is preaching school spirit, they sure don’t show it at the games.
move to Nashville
If you are one of those people who has all the time in the world to eat breakfast at Huddle House in Mascoutah, by all means try it out. However, if you are an average person with just an average amount of time to spend before getting on with your day, please skip them. By the time you get your breakfast, it is already time to order lunch.
Miss how that place was when first opened. We don’t have any good place for breakfast except for Sunday’s
I picked my son from school yesterday and all of the school buses ran the stop sign heading out the parking lot. Great lesson the school district is teaching our kids.
Oh, good grief. It’s an implied maneuver for the buses to run more efficient. Grow up.
But it can cause an accident if someone does not know the process.
And now we all know not to run into the side of a school bus. Thank you for sharing!
Yah go get em with your dash cam! We should all feel much safer now!
Been doing that for well over 25 years. You should be a better driver that causes accident as not looking far enough head or using your brain
All the buses leave the parking lots together. Its standard practice. Its actually safer to do it that way then to try to get out one at a time. Be courteous of them, they are carrying precious cargo. It only takes a couple minutes, as long as a stoplight to stop and let them all get out.
Yeah, it’s so much safer breaking the law. Makes a lot of sense.
Oh, get over yourself ms/mr perfect. I guess it makes sense to you that if they went out 1 at a time, each stopping, how many people would try and beat them? That’s why they do it this way, probably because of people like you. There is such a greater chance of accidents your way. Believe me, it is sooo much safer having them all get out at 1 time. I guess you are in such a hurry that you can’t sit and wait for a couple minutes. Also, some buses have to go to another school to pick up kids. They line up in a certain way at the schools so the kids know where their bus is. Wake up and give them a break. There are kids on those buses, have some respect.
So glad to see gas under $4 again. I heard that one can conserve gas by driving a little under the speed limit, but if I tried that around here the whole town would hate me haha
That’s on the highway. 55 mph will save fuel millage then going 60. Don’t matter at slower speeds like in town.
We need to get to the root of high gas prices, soaring inflation, illegals flooding our border and zero respect from other nations thanks to senile joe and cackling kamala. Vote them out… better yet, impeach for treason and collusion with china and put Hunter Biden behind bars.
Another whinning conservative little bi**h . We all know why everything you mention is happening. But what does Hunter Biden have to do with anything. ?
$100 says you wouldn’t call them that to their face
I’d say it with no hesitation . The true conservatives didn’t fall for the trump stupidity The comment above is a trump follower.
Kind of funny the name caller above is so upset someone mentioned Hunter Biden. Perhaps an anger management class might help. Let’s try this name, Hillary Clinton and… go!
I don’t see that comment about anyone getting upset. This happens a lot I don’t see all the comments.
woa, easy there cowboy, gonna blow a gasket
Another great rehearsal from the high school band on Tuesday
About time
As a parent of MHS & MMS students, I LOVE school being back in session. I HATE homework!! LOL
Can someone please organize a MHS band concert at the rockpile? We will all attend. And since we are on the topic of organizing… if you have two barking dogs, can you take them inside and get your life together. They are disrupting the neighborhood. Sorry in advance for any grammarly made errors.
I’d watch for woke librarians, in those schools. Regressive liberal school boards hire like minded employees.
For three years I have heard neighborhood teenagers bragging about hanging out at night at some place they refer to as “the rock pile”. Apparently it’s where teens go to drink alcohol and get high. I could never figure out where this “rock pile” is until now. It’s where Brickyard Road and Pleasant Ridge School Road meet. I’m just curious as to whether or not the sheriff or the county patrol this area? I always wondered why when I drive past the area sometimes at night there are multiple cars just sitting there off of the roadside. Now I know why. And there isn’t actually a rock pile there.
Thanks for the tip!
Didn;t we all have that one place we gathered? It doesn’t mean that something sinister is going on.
We sure did have a place to hang with friends. I wish they wouldn’t drink though. Getting high is a lot safer for driving.
I just want to get my knowledge out there, I am one of the people that hang out at rockpile, Almost every night. This is not the place that people drink, it’s not a place where people get high. Rockpile is called rockpile, Becuse in fact there used to be an actual rockplie from the township that sat there. This place is just a destination to get out of town where you can listen to your music as loud as you want, do pretty much whatever you want, it’s just a place to chill and hangout with others in the quiet. I personally love it, and even the owners like that were there as well. He’s told me he’d rather us be here than out crusing the backroads and possibly hit a deer or another driver. I understand your guy’s concern, but it’s just a hangout
The rockpile has been a place to hang out for many years. A lot of generations have gone out there to party. Enjoy.
I read in the Mascoutah Herald where a group of people went to the council complaining about sewage in their homes. One of the people was the former mayor. I can understand why they would be upset. That had to be very disgusting but I don’t see where it is the city’s problem. Only a few homes suffered through this, and the massive rains that hit a few weeks ago flooded everything. It’s not like it is a once a month thing. I think they should personally hire experts to look at their houses and not use city money.
How do you figure only few homes? Talk to people on the east side of town. The sewers back up anytime there’s over inch and a half. So who do you suggest replace the old sewer lines, if the city won’t??
I don’t know the cost involved, but the home owner may want to check on having a backdoor valve installed in their sewer line. It would help immensly! The downside is that you won‘t be able to use the sewer until the backup has subsided.
Thanks to spell check the above post was meant to state backflow, not backdoor. Sorry for any confusion.
This is a potential fix, but I believe one of the people who spoke had a backflow preventer and still had some backup.
The former mayor should receive the same help he gave to others with sewer backup when he was mayor: absolutely nothing.
We had massive sewer backup after moving into our house during a rain storm. City denied any responsibility. We lost freezers and all else in the basement. Mascoutah has a “just say no” government. Unless you have connections, you’re out of luck.
Were the sewer pipes still old when the former Mayor was in office? Just wanted to check.
Yes, then and now. Nothings ever been fixed. But the city did put new street lights up by the 4 way for show. I don’t know anyone that picked to live in Mascoutah just because they have 200k worth of street lights in one block.
But what if it is a city problem and not the homeowners? Shouldnt the city then look into a possible fix? Rain water should not be able to get into a closed sewer system.
What if it’s the cities problem??? I never seen a homeowner digging a trench to put down a bigger main sewer pipe.
The people that went to the City were not asking for their individual problem to be fixed. They wanted the City to find a solution to the problem that would save the City money by trying to fix the problem. I think the EPA fines the City each time they place pumps in the sanitary to pump out excess rain water. This is a cost that all the citizens incur through their various bills. So, your basement may not flood…but we are all paying for it.
Your ignorance is astounding. The City’s sewer isn’t supposed to get rain water in it. If it does, ONE of the problems is backing up into homes. The other obvious one is that all of that rain water is going to the treatment plant. There it is either treated unnecessarily or potentially discharged. In addition, the City pumps pumps in the sanitary sewers and pumps excess water on to the street. Do you think sewage is good to have on the street?
When you build a house in town, there is a fee to hooking up to the sanitary sewer. So, the homeowners already paid for the access which is supposed to be separate from the storm sewer. That is the point. The two systems are not working correctly if one is going into the other.
The cost of placing pumps in man holes and handling all of that rain water is costing the utility money. That cost is passed along.
While you may think it is individual homeowners responsibility, everyone is paying for it.
High school band is sounding better every week. Keep up the great work. Can’t wait to watch you all at the first football game.
and leave at halftime
I don’t. I support all of the students. Why such a negative comment. Must be an athlete’s parent. You are part of yhe problem.
What’s wrong with leaving at halftime? If a person doesn’t want to watch the game, then leave. It’s no big deal.
What’s all the crying about people that came to see the band leave when the bands over?? They sat through the first half of football. It’s high school football, no big deal.
i’ve watched 6,7,8, volleyball in the past and have seen a lot of folks leave after 6th or 7th grade games leave,maybe they had something else to do or other kids things to attend,guess what?didn’t bother me in the least,actually it was none of my business
I have a friend that’s thinking of moving to Mascoutah. He wants to get his kids out of Belleville schools. His question is how many fights break out a week in the middle school? Strange question I know but, it happens a lot in Belleville schools.
I think it’s about the same. Mascoutah schools are just better at keeping fighting and bullying quiet
Yea I think it is time for a change to stop the abuse of the disability exemption
Data is being collected, VA is being informed and laws are going to change. Even the 5 year rule. This is killing our communities. We need to take care of those that need help, not the ones that are feeling entitled to get free money and not pay their share. At least change the rules to have it related to combat. Real American Heros.
Poor whiners… lots of misinformation posted here. Check your facts and educate yourselves keyboard warriors. This town (Mascoutah) has always been extremely jealous of military members and their families. We’ve lived all over the world and experienced wonderful cultures, made lifelong friends and enjoyed tight knit communities within our military bases. We had a rude awakening moving here!
It would be very easy to change. People with a 40-50% VA disability rating get a $5000 exemption on property taxes, but if their rating is 70-100% they get an exemption off all property taxes. Simply change the exemption for people with a 70-100% rating to a $10,000 exemption. There is no reason anyone should not be paying property taxes.
A person with a Social Security disability, far harder to obtain that a military disability rating, gets a measly $2000 exemption. They don’t get that for life, nor can the surviving spouse receive it after death.
Military disability should be based on combat injuries, not what the rest of the country knows as aches and pains.
For the one that said we are jealous, I am a military vet, combat vet, and still pay taxes. Yes, I have issues, but there are a lot more people that deserve the money than I do. I don’t need to have a big fancy house, some foreign car, vacations, etc. on tax payers money. I signed up to serve and will continue. Stop being a pile of entitlement and continue to serve your county.
Get off your @$$ and out of your parents basement and do something about it keyboard Karen!
They say they have PTSD and can’t sleep. It’s literally a JOKE! I’m for supporting those veterans that are truly disabled.
What is “truly disabled” in your opinion
I’d say someone that went into the service with no disability’s. Then came out with a disability. Not 40 years down the road when your playing golf and a ball takes out one of your testicles. Then end up with a limp but, you happen to of been in the service 40 years ago now your disabled. I didn’t make this up.
This town loves to bash the military… It tried very hard to keep military out. Mascoutah was considered a long distance call from the base 15-20 years ago and no “decent” places available to live or rent. Schools were always good because the base was in the same district so lots of subsidies from the government that locals were able to enjoy as well. Count your blessings Mascoutans and your welcome!
Military isn’t helping this town, they are the new entitled snowflakes. If you have served in a war, I’ll give you that but for all those calling people keyboard jockeys, that’s what you did in your military, , then feel entitled to get compensation because your ears ring. Sad
Oh you’ll GIVE US THAT if we’ve served in a war? How generous of you. Educate yourself sad person without a clue. Do something useful like contact your representatives. You probably don’t even bother voting in elections.
Base is a drain on Mascoutah, not a perk. Kids are great but if you don’t pay real estate taxes, your not helping but hurting. Simple math! And it’s not just Mascoutah that’s tired of it, it’s all your neighboring towns. So put your IS plate on, get that free entitled money.
Interesting… How are disabled veterans driving up home prices? Most aren’t disabled? How many do you know? Did you serve with them? How do you know they don’t have PTSD? Are you aware you don’t have to go to war to get PTSD?
So disabled vets are driving up house prices??? How’s that happen? You sound like you’re a VA disability claims expert. Please educate the masses on how a veteran can file a claim and say “I have PTSD” and boom they get high ratings and are tax exempt. You sound like you speak of great personal experience with in-depth knowledge on how all this disability stuff works. We want to be on your level. You may agree or disagree with the disabled vets “perks”, but most of you commenting on here have zero clue….absolutely zero clue on how the VA system works and how claims are processed. You pick up bits and piece of info from other clueless people then attempt to spread it as truth. You make it sound as if the veteran walks in and says “I have PTSD”…the VA doesn’t challenge the claim and just like that they are rated high and receive all kinds of perks. Do the veterans a favor and educate yourself before commenting. At least show you have a little shred of knowledge rather than spreading inaccurate details. Wish I had more time to type, but I’m off to increase home values across the region with my VA disability perks.
I love your comment!! There are so many hoops a person has to jump through, just to prove the disability. I agree I wish all of us, including myself, would take the time to know all the information of applying for any type of disability before we make ourselves judge & jury. Thank you to all who have served our country and also a thank you to those who are serving in the present. You all are appreciated by many.
Amen…
Thanks for your comment… you are my hero! About time someone puts these clueless whiners to bed regarding VA disability. No question the system is abused and needs an overhaul just like every government system out there.
How hard is it to drop your child off at Mascoutah Elementary? I would rather deal with some 16-year-old newbie than with these so called “experience” drivers. Do we need a class on this? Pull up. Child gets out. You move on. Simple.
So true, so very true. Mine are all in high school I remember those days.
Each parent wants to watch their little Johnny or Karen walk into the school before driving off
Pull into the parking lot, drop your kids off, driver away and stop whinning.
Agreed. When you’re behind the wheel it’s important to be aware of your surroundings/other drivers. You can text, daydream, or light your cigarette when you get home.
I’m gonna miss you Answer Man! Thank you sir for the years you kindly gave of yourself, providing helpful information for all of us…answering so many questions…sharing your knowledge and experiences. I’ve saved many of your responses, sure that at some time in the future I will benefit from having them as a reference. I also appreciate that your humor was often sprinkled through your responses, keeping things interesting. God Bless you for blessing us!
Don’t put too much faith in his knowledge and experience. He inspected some electrical work for me and when the city went to reinstall the meter we found out that his “knowledge “ was completely wrong. Cost a lot of money to fix his “suggestion”.
I want to give high fives to all the volunteers who worked so hard in this heat to put on a fabulous Homecoming. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to work a shift at a food stand and a huge shout out to those who worked all week setting up stands, tables, grills, etc and then worked all weekend to keep everything going smoothly. And then those hard-working folks went back Monday to start taking it all down. Thank you volunteers for giving us such a nice festival in a very nice park.
Middle School and High School did an awesome job at the Homecoming Parade.
I agree. Wonderful Job. I did not see any high school athletic groups in either of the parades.
I saw the bass fishing team, the cheerleaders, the dance team, the colorguard, the football team. The band parents are the ones that cause all this division. The same ones that leave as soon as their student is done performing at the football games. Drives me crazy!
HAHA fishing team?? So if they catch anything but a bass they have to do 10 laps??
It goes both ways. The athletic parents can attend the band and colorguard to show their kids. That drives me crazy. It starts with the parents.
if you miss them that much,why don’t you get their phone numbers and give em a call once in a while?PS,kinda sounds like you’re causing a division
Don’t think they do. Just calling out some hypocritical band parents
I can’t believe you’re jealous of the band. That’s a first .
you have no idea why the band parents leave,maybe they or their kids have other places they have to be or other priorities,if it drives you crazy,kinda sounds like it would be a short drive
Mascoutah Homecoming is a great event. I can’t help but notice though, the unsafe food handling practices from the vendors though. Whatever the name of the place that serves the potato pancakes had a lady sitting there reaching into the bag of buns. It was hot outside, so I know she was sweaty and who knows if her hands were clean or not. She’s reaching in grabbing buns, opening them up…all with no gloves on. Then getting ice cream I could see fingers of the servers coming in contact with customers ice cream while handing to them. Now I’m not a super germaphobe, but isn’t there health safety standards they need to follow??? I’m pretty sure I won’t die from it, but it is kind of nasty to serve the public with your bare hands. Oh well, you take a risk with that food no matter what anyway. Just something that caught my eye and made me wonder if the city noticed and plan to take some food safety precautions in future years.
I actually prefer a dirty thumb in my potato pancake. Maybe that’s just me
lol, you called your…. a potato pancake.
Food handling at these events is always troubling ,it can and sometimes does leads to serious illness.The consequences of this careless behavior has canceled more than one event permanently and cost suffering and lawsuits .
Think I trust seeing what I saw at the homecoming more than any local establishments where hidden in the kitchen lol
During the parade last night one of the school bands were passing. Don’t remember which one because I was shocked to see an adult volunteer/teacher whatever give water to a band student from a bottle. No big deal right? But then this volunteer gave another band student a drink from the same bottle. School hasn’t even started yet and we’re trying to shut it down with another round of covid?
Agree, this is a serious health violation, thank you for posting.
Does anyone feel the color guard outfits, specifically turtle neck and black leggings were well, almost abusive during a public health heat warning? Would you dress our toddler like this for the parade? Why risk heat exhaustion, matching white shorts and a t-shirt outfits like the band members? Bottom line, great performance from the color guard, thanks for your volunteerism and support for our school and community.
Oh boy here we go again. Every band member I saw was pouring water in their mouth. Grow up and find something else to complain about
OMG, don’t you have something better to do?
You were shocked by this?! Apparently it doesn’t take much to shock you
Had a blast at the annual Mascoutah Covid superspreader,I mean homecoming haha
If you were so worried about a super spreader,why did you even go?just wondering
I think the comment was making fun of being a superspreader. The busy bodies talking about sharing water and handling food with there hands need to lighten up. Or just stay home would be the best thing for all of us.
yeah,after i read it again,think you’re right,just making fun,i apologize
I was being sarcastic. Time to move on and enjoy our freedom
How come the Mascoutah Mcdonalds thinks its ok to pane handle money? Plus no other Mcdonalds in the St Louis area does this.
They are not panhandling. They ask if you would like to donate to the Ronald McDonald House charity. You have the option to simply say “no, thank you”. Other McDonald’s in the area also ask the same question. Dairy Queen restaurants also do it to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. And just as it is at any McDonald’s, you can simply say no.
Just like pan handling, just say no
Casey’s is also asking for donations at the register. Can’t remember what its for.
If you’re brave enough to eat there, go ahead and donate the change!
They, along with every other business nationwide, are extremely short of change, specifically quarters. it’s a nationwide problem, better to ask for donations than try to figure out to give change when you don’t have any. Get over it, and yourself, already.
There is no coin shortage. Liberals will believe anything.
High school band did an awesome job tonight at the parent preview.
This goes out to the contractor building the new Scooters coffee shop. I work in construction and I have never seen it take such a long time to build such a small structure. The owner of the shop should be very disappointed in you. The site is a mess with debris everywhere. The owner should have hired a union contractor. All I can say is you get what you paid for.
Supply Chain issues, Worker shortages, and lead times. Corporate hires lowest bidder. Construction sites have debris. It’s under construction. It is not complete.
Lol say what you want. Poor job
I agree, Since no business makes it on cursed ground, they could be screwed.
Union or non-union doesn’t matter. In my experience, the only “benefit” I have had when hiring union over non-union is I get to pay more for the same job.
And usually twice as many people to do the same job when union.
Paying more is a benefit??
That’s cute. Union vs non union. Bet you also like to use the term scabs
What’s a term scab?? Union’s were needed 80-90 years ago. But they got more greedy then the employers that were screwing people in the first place. Give and inch, they take a mile.
What a lot of union workers call non union workers. (That’s ok to degrade them apparently)
I’m a union worker. I’m no better than a non union worker. We’re all just trying to make a living. The term scab is misunderstood by so many, that they think it means non-union worker. It means a union worker that crosses a picket line.
And that’s ok to be calling them names? Interesting
You must not be well traveled
Looked up the new owners, another fully disabled vet, sucking up tax payers money. Nice they are 100% disabled, don’t pay taxes and get a ton of tax money free a month for life but can still perform the task as a business start up. What a joke.
How do you look up if someone is 100 % through the VA. That info should be private medical information right. Only asking becUse I know a guy who says he’s 100 % but homeless?
google, st. clair country real estate tax inquiry, it will come up with a link.. i tried to post it here but it doesn’t allow me. Then it will tell you if they are disabled and what category. Then you can look them up under the Freedom of Information Act. Again, can’t post URL.
How did you look up their va disability rating? that information is not public. Unless you work for the va and used your position within the va to violate their privacy.
Actually the rating is public since the money for the disability comes from the public.
So how would I look it up is their a website you can point me to?
I enjoyed watching the band practice this evening at the high school. Great Job!
Same here. Would it be possible to post the dates of the practices and competitions? I would like to watch them more.
Just don’t fly over the band with a drone. They freak out. Not because a drone is over head, For some reason they think other schools are spying on them . Come on, the band???
Clean out your adjacent storm drains. The City isn’t going to do it. Don’t blow grass into the street. Buy a jug of roundup. Mow & weedwhack that extra two minutes. Plant some flowers. Have some respect for your neighbors. Pick up your dog fecies.
I agree.
Don’t blow grass in the street??
In Illinois blowing grass clippings onto streets is illegal. Grass clippings are considered litter.
There are fines.
Well get out there and protect our streets!
Some of these City Roads have two feet tall weeds growing
Woohoo! Go City Roads!
Where
I like the flower pots in the park. Some added flavor & decor. Well done.
Looks great
MIA cut grass mower. Grass in several parts of the park looks terrible for not being mowed yet pretty sure not growing too fast with the heat and such. Hopefully cut before the homecoming
The MIA has employees?
Missing in action
What is wrong with the United States post office. Two letter sent two weeks apart never arrived at their destination.
DeJoy would be the man to thank. Money taken away from all the United States Post Offices, less sorting machines, less postal workers, & shorter hours.
Lazy, union employees in the big offices! Hate filled excrement.
I love Mascoutah! Such a great small town & good people. Sound off is a good way to voice our opinions. But the sarcasm & rude replies are truly unnecessary. I’m aware some of us are critical of the spelling, but come on now must rudeness follow the critique?
Great point. But, did you miss a comma there?
What’s this & ?? It should be “and”. You should know better.
You guys crack me up. Lol!!!
I read in the Herald that the queen contest is cancelled. All they have to do is sell tickets to win. It’s not like they need a talent or anything. Kids are so lazy now days.
I’m assuming you are talking about the Mascoutah Homecoming queen? I agree. I can’t believe in a town this size, they can’t find a few young ladies that want to help support the homecoming. They make money buy selling the tickets. What a shame.
It’s not that they can’t find any young ladies to do it. It’s the whole generation that just don’t get it.
I don’t want my daughter going around soliciting
OMG! You are so…never mind. You’re not smart enough to understand anyway.
Ok Boomer
I thought there would be a lot more people upset about the canceling of the homecoming queen pageant. No one really seems to care. Interesting.
Who want to see someone win because they and there family go and sell tickets to win. Find some that actually have a talent and then maybe. It’s been a joke since day one.
Sure! Kids are so lazy because they don’t want to enter into some degrading, exploitive beauty show instead of finding literally any other way to support our homecoming and our town’s parks!
And another that just can’t figure it out.
Degrading exploitive beauty show?? They sell raffle tickets to win the title, it’s not a beauty contest LMAO
In that case, just sell the raffle tickets. Offer a prize or something. Why does there need to be a Miss/Little Miss Mascoutah?
With time comes change. Maybe this is one of those things that is coming to an end. Doesn’t make it bad.
Maybe there is no interest in a Queen contest because it is an outdated tradition that lacks equal treatment of genders.
Data is implying the majority of this country supports equal rights
I watched the Uvalde police response video that was released a week or so ago. Reminded me of the Keystone Cops.
I never would have thought that Texan’s would be to scared to use a gun. So there not so high and mighty as they think they are. Whimps
Did you actually receive an education? “to” should be spelled, “too”. There should be a comma following, “So”, and “there” should be spelled, “they’re”. If you want people to take you seriously, learn to spell.
Maybe you should have your eyes checked before you start showing your stupidity.
Well, that was intelligent!
Scott Battas is once again asking the town to support the athletes. We should support ALL students, not just the athletes.
Support them?? Are they falling over ?
He is the athletic director! It sounds like you are a band parent, tell your band director to promote the band program!
I agree. Some kids are good in math or science. Others are good actors or singers. Some are band or colorguard.
What’s funny is most people in the band (learning an instrument) end up using it the rest of life. Where average athletes (the ones in high school) just end up playing softball and drink beer. Then push there own children to play a sport they couldn’t
You know what? You are so right. All of my friends that were in band, just walk around playing their trumpet. Oh….and they also like to whip out a recorder at backyard get togethers and play hot cross buns.
Never thought about like that. I had two friends play in the band back in the 70/s. Both are retired musicians in vegas.
This is categorically false.
Hahaha. Hey Karen…when is the last time you picked up your clarinet???? Lmao. Too bad you don’t have any friends… you might get invited to softball to have a beer!
He is the athletic director so…….
I appreciate the notifications about Mascoutah athletics. I have to imagine it makes the student athletes proud when their program, their teammates, or even themselves are highlighted on one of Scott’s notifications.
It’s clear he is passionate, a great leader, and an even better role model to all students, not just athletes.
He is the athletic director…… have your reached out to ask if there are options the school could find ways to promote or support ALL students? In my experience, the district goes above and beyond to promote and support ALL students. Find it odd that a person would attack him for promoting athletics. Seems petty.
That’s his job. And he is doing a fine job. Football and Basketball are now relevant. He is Winning.
He is teaching kids to exclude others.
You have got a good point.
How is he teaching kids to exclude others? That is a pretty powerful statement. I think his original post was with Fall sports season kicking off, lets paint the town purple. Maybe he should have said with school starting, lets paint the town purple. But lets face it, sports drives a lot of people to the school. Weather its watching the student athletes, dance and cheer teams, colorguard, band, etc., don’t we want people to be engaged and provide a great atmosphere for all these kids to succeed? Doesn’t make sense why people want to tear everyone down.
Or, maybe he’s just staying in his lane. IT’S HIS JOB TO SUPPORT THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT. Good grief people.
It this a joke? Find someone in our town who promotes our kids or community more than him…. I’ll wait.
Scott Battas is doing a Excellent Job as MHS Athletic Director. Look at MHS athletic programs and facilities, some of the Best in the Area!! We are fortunate and blessed to have a AD that cares about the students/school/town. Mr. Battas thanks for your hard work and dedication… GO PURPLE!!!
Put your name behind slandering someone that has accomplished 100x more than you will ever accomplish for this town and school district. What a joke of a human being you are.
Has anyone ever noticed how unkept the Post Office is getting? There is garbage and trash around the outside and weeds and grass growing in the sidewalks. Mold is growing on the entrance to the building. It’s disgusting. Where is the pride? I think our government should set an example, not be the subject of the joke.
Maybe as a town we can all clean up the town.
It’s not a question of where is the pride. It’s where is the money.
I agree! Because of DeJoy taking over the United States Postal Service, every post office has gone downhill. Less workers, less money, slower service in mailing & bigger cities finding it hard to keep up demand of those said services. I love our small town post office, but how can they possibly keep up with the outside when the inside works (mailing, delivering, and customers) is their top priority!
have you check out the nite deposit parking lot It looks like a scrap yard lot
Before you go bad mouthing a local establishment, maybe do your research. The nite deposit does not own that parking lot, nor do they pay anything to have that parking lot used by its customers.
That is NOT their parking lot… get your facts straight before bad mouthing the Nite Deposit!!!
The word is unkempt. Not unkept. I hear the USPS is installing slot machines to raise money in order to paint the building black. It’s a trend.
Can an out-of-district student go to a Mascoutah school?
I do not believe so. At registration we have to provide two items to verify our address.
I guess I meant can an out-of-district student attend even if they had to pay a tuition or extra fee?
Yes, they can pay tuition
So as long as a student pays tuition, they do not have to live in Mascoutah? I emailed the Superintendent but he never got back to me. I would really like my son to attend Mascoutah and would be willing to pay for the privilege. Is there someone other than the Superintendent I should contact?
Go to the administration office.
Shouldn’t be able to
Disappointed with the fireworks display. This is the first time in 10 plus years we couldn’t see the fireworks from our yard. They were very low… was this a ploy to get people to watch from the park or did the city take the cheap route????
I think its a ploy for everyone to chop down all tall trees.
I blame it on all the free handouts the government gives to anyone that twists an ankle during service. We are the land of the free handouts, hhmmm maybe that is why our inflation is so high…
“I won’t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said” –William F. Buckley
Sad part of your comment is they don’t have to be active in the service to get a disability exemption. They can be 70 and if there hearing starts going bad they get the exemption.
All of the following rate property tax exemptions why don’t we rip on those that are financially responsible, old, and severly injuered on the job or in car acidents to while we’re at it.
Homeowner Exemption
Senior Citizen Exemption
Senior Freeze Exemption
Longtime Homeowner Exemption
Home Improvement Exemption
Returning Veterans’ Exemption
Disabled Veterans’ Exemption
Disabled Persons’ Exemption
Nice try, first 3 are the only exemptions in this county. But it is fun just making up stuff isn’t it???
Actually, more than just 3 apply in St. Clair County, as well as additional exemptions such as Special Adapted Housing, Fraternal Organizations and Veteran’s Organizations. However, the exemptions typically either result in a lump sum deduction from the assessed value or a freeze at a certain assessment level. There is only exemption that eliminates property tax completely up to a certain assessment.
You know who gains from this, the home builders. Think about it… They are charging $4xx some on these small new homes north of town and the majority of people that live there don’t pay a penny for the house or the real estate taxes. Government pays them a large sum every month, pays for home, electric, nice car, everything, then no taxes… The home builder reaps this money. They aren’t stupid, you can see the family, they make the money selling them new, financing the money for it and then reselling it when you move. They give a little back here and there for donations and act like heros. Heros don’t advertise what they do for others, wanna be celebrities do. Making money and costing us more, guess you can’t blame them.
I can get 50% for my CPAP? I only get 10% for my respiratory issues that developed on active duty. CPAP can be directly correlated to my asthma. VA, here I come!
Loop holes??? Working the system??? Care to elaborate where you learned this or what the loop holes are? Let me guess you heard from someone who heard from someone. The veteran needs to apply for VA benefits. It’s not automatic. Those claims NEED to be supported in their medical records showing a history of the issue. The records also need to include key words written by a doctor that match up to the VA regulations. Then a VA doctor evaluates the member in person to validate the claimed issues are real. That doctor makes a recommendation based off the in person exam. The VA reviews all aspects of the claim. If everything lines up, they get a rating. Don’t be mad at a vet for using a system they didn’t create. Don’t be mad at a veteran for tax exemptions they don’t control. Any vet would be a fool not to file a claim and let the process work. If it helps them monetarily, then so be it. The world is full of unfair benefits. It’s not a full proof system, but acting like it’s easy to get a high claim is proof that you have absolutely no idea how that system works. I know tons of people that file a claim and get zero or very little benefits/money. I’m willing to bet that most veterans in the area are retired receiving a retirement check and then secure a $80-$100k a yr job. Allot of times their spouse also makes good money. They’d be able to afford those nice new cars, vacations, etc regardless of VA money.
Do we really need this forum? Reading through all these comments seems like a waste of space for the paper. These comments are nothing but complaints and one sided opinions. Everyone is so negative about our town/community. I’ve lived here for over thirty years and frankly I like our little town. I’m sure there are much worse.
Instead of being like Peyton Place let’s talk about positive/uplifting things. Let’s celebrate the good things. Like our parents taught us – if you don’t have something nice to say – don’t say anything at all.
That’s why it’s called “Sound Off”. All the whinners have somewhere to vent, where no one would listen to them otherwise.
I heard through the grape vine that Mascoutah School District hired a convicted child molester. He threatened to sue the district so they hired him. Is that true. If anyone can follow up it would be appreciated.
Was the person charged or charged and convicted? There’s a big difference.
If it’s the same person I think it is, they are not a child molester. There is/ was a case against them that involved sexual assault. They did plead guilty to it.
It was not a child, if it’s the person I think it is. This individual was charged with officer misconduct/ sexual assault. They did plead guilty to it.
There is an individual working there that pled guilty to officer misconduct/sexual assault. It was not a child. But still concerning knowing that they work for the district.
What school?
They work for grounds keeping