New Baden Village Board holds first meeting in new village hall
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- Written by: Kelly Jo Ross - Breese Journal News Editor
During its first meeting in the new village hall and public safety building Monday night, the New Baden Village Board tackled resident concerns ranging from tournament parking enforcement to sidewalk maintenance.
One of the evening’s most discussed topics was parking citations issued during a recent baseball tournament at New Baden Community Park.
New Baden Park Booster board president Justin Dunning voiced concerns about the citations, saying numerous visitors received tickets for parking on the grass during the event, which featured dozens of baseball teams and attracted participants and spectators from across the region.
“I don’t think anyone should be ticketed in the park when coming to activities for parking on the grass,” Dunning said. “That includes sporting events, the Farmers Market, the chili cook-off and June Jamboree.”
Dunning noted that the Park Boosters have hosted events in the park for six years without parking issues and questioned why citations were issued during the tournament while grass parking has been common at other community events.
“At the park, you can park in the grass for the Farmers Market, and then the very next week, you can get a ticket (for parking in the grass) for supporting a Boosters sporting event,” he said.
Dunning said that it was “frustrating” that sponsors of the boosters, volunteers who prepped the fields, and grandparents of players coming to town all received tickets for parking in the grass when the same standards are not being held for all events.
“They park in the same spot they did for the Farmer’s Market yet receive a ticket because it is a sporting event,” said Dunning. “From my perspective, it seems like a direct shot at the Booster Club who has spent countless hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars making it a great place.”
He said he was told that he needed special permission and designated areas for the “overflow” parking, but their event did not need additional parking accommodations.
Dunning emphasized that his comments were not directed at organizers of other events, including the Farmer’s Market, but wanted there to be consistency in enforcement.
Dunning said he asked Mayor Bob Oster if the Farmer’s Market could stop parking on the sports fields.
“Mostly the corner fields by the four-way especially since the Booster Club has spent over $10,000 the last three years treating those areas for weeds and trying to make the park look better and attract more people to our town,” said Dunning.
He added that the Farmer’s Market is a fantastic event and is great for the community, however, there is really no need for overflow parking.
Dunning said he was seeking some “grace” from the Village regarding parking enforcement during a softball tournament that is scheduled for this weekend, and is expected to include over 70 softball teams.
Mayor Oster said he has attempted to reach out to Dunning about options for overflow parking, however, Oster said that no one has been willing to meet with him to discuss the matter.
Dunning responded that the Boosters have tried to have conversations with the mayor in the past, without success.
Following discussion among board members, Mayor Bob Oster said he planned to speak with the police chief about finding a reasonable solution and indicated he would meet with Dunning to further discuss the issue.
Sara Masterson-Holtgrave, speaking on behalf of the New Baden Lions Club, presented plans to construct a “Blessing Box” outside the O.W. Billhartz Civic Center.
A “Blessing Box” is a small, publicly accessible, outdoor cabinet used to distribute food and basic necessities to community members in need, similar to a “free library.”
The board was in favor of the project, and planned to approve the item at the next board meeting.
Wesclin High School student and Eagle Scout candidate Emmitt Biggs addressed the board regarding his Eagle Scout project, which will involve sanding and repainting picnic tables located beneath the pavilions at the community park.
The board was in favor of Biggs’ project, and will make the approval official at the next board meeting.
Resident Stephen Sinkey addressed the board regarding sidewalk maintenance during winter weather events.
Sinkey encouraged the village to take a more proactive role in clearing sidewalks following snow and ice storms, particularly to assist elderly residents and those with mobility challenges.
“I love this community and I love everything we do, but I’m trying to help provide a service for those less fortunate,” Sinkey said.
In other business, trustees approved a resolution adopting an updated Personnel Manual and Employee Handbook.
Village Administrator Ben DeClue said the handbook had not been fully updated or formally implemented since 2003.
“This revision marks a significant update, most of which is to current practice and to adopt requirements imposed by state law,” DeClue said.
Updates include modernized language regarding the role of the village administrator, as well as the inclusion of Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) leave and Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA) provisions.
The board also approved participation in the ComPsych Employee Assistance Program through the Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative (IPBC).
DeClue said the recent passing of New Baden Police Officer Dave Jordan highlighted the need for additional employee support services.
Cougars win Class 2A Father McGivney Regional title
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- Written by: Jeremy Chawgo - Breese Journal Sports Editor
Back-to-back — The Central baseball team celebrates after winning the Class 2A Father McGivney Regional title with a 10-4 win over the host Griffins on Saturday in Glen Carbon. The Cougars won the Central Regional last season. They have 50 wins over the past two seasons and they now have eight regional titles and they are searching for their first-ever sectional title. PHOTO BY JEREMY CHAWGO For the second-straight season, the Central baseball team had the honor of raising a Class 2A Regional title plaque after defeating host Father McGivney on Saturday afternoon in Glen Carbon.
The Cougars took down the Griffins and Greenville en route to their schools’ eighth regional crown.
With the win over FM, Central will now play in the Class 2A Greenville Sectional semifinal when they take on St. Anthony on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Bond County.
The Cougars will enter that contest with a 28-9 record while the Bulldogs will check in at 20-9. The Dawgs beat Central 9-3 back on March 28.
Gut it out — Central junior righty Alex Athmer sends in a curve in the Cougars’ 2-1 win over Greenville on Thursday in Glen Carbon. Athmer went the distance allowing one earned run on two hits and 11 strikeouts. PHOTO BY JEREMY CHAWGO Central 10, Father McGivney 4: The Cougars answered every response the Griffins had on Saturday in postseason play in Glen Carbon.
It was a lengthy contest where the teams combined for 20 hits, four fielding errors and 15 walks by the two staffs.
“I’m so happy for this coaching staff and group of players,” said Central head coach Ryan Meyer. “This group has put in a lot of hard work and time and we played really well today.”
The home squad hit Central starter Bryce Wieter with a run in the bottom of the first when Ty Etcheson singled and later scored on a double from Scott Phelps.
It stayed 1-0 with Central stranding two runners in the second inning and Father McGivney hitting into a inning-ending double play to move to the third inning.
The top of the order went to work for the Cougars in the third frame when Conlan Haar beat out an infield single before Miles Browne singled to left. Alex Athmer singled in Haar with a shot to center while Browne scored on a throwing error for a 2-1 lead.
Wieter followed with a single before Craig Schroeder added an RBI single in a seven-pitch at-bat and a 3-1 lead. Wieter stole second and scored on a grounder from Max Albers with CHS leading 4-1.
McGivney put their first two runners on base in the bottom of the inning, but they ran themselves out of the inning.
Central added another run in the fourth inning on a single from Landon Toennies who later scored on a double play for a 5-1 score.
Jack Hunter hit a double for the Griffins in the bottom of the fifth inning to get them within 5-2.
“This season has had it’s ups and downs for me on the mound,” said Wieter. “But with my defense, I believed in my stuff and battled through it. Our defense is one of the best in the state and I think our shortstop is the best defensively in the state.”
Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog... Becker retires as Germantown Elementary superintendent to focus more on family
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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Superintenent Robin Becker high fives her students on the last day of the 2025-2026 school year. After 16 years as superintendent at Germantown Elementary School, Robin Becker decided it was time to step away from education and focus more on family.
Becker retired as the superintendent/principal at Germantown Elementary School following this past school year.
Becker was in education for 33 years. She began her career at Germantown in 1993 as a paraprofessional in a second-grade classroom. The following year she was hired as a third-grade teacher and spent a total of 11 years teaching at Germantown.
In 2005, she was hired as principal at Shiloh Village School District No. 85. She viewed the opportunity as an important step toward reaching her long-term goal of someday returning to Germantown as superintendent. She was principal at Shiloh for five years.
In 2010, the superintendent position at Germantown became available and Becker was selected to lead the district.
This past year marked her 16th year as superintendent and her 28th year overall at Germantown Elementary School.
"Germantown has been my home away from home for nearly three decades and has become a huge part of who I am," Becker said. "I love the school, the community, and the people who make up our Bulldog family. I will always be grateful to those who gave a young, inexperienced educator the opportunity to lead their community school. More than anything, I will miss the everyday interactions with students and staff — the hallway hugs, high fives, smiles, and simple moments that make Germantown so special."
Robin Becker Becker said serving the dual role of superintendent/principal is both time intensive and demanding. As she has gotten older, the long days and constant pace have become more difficult. Her family continues to grow, and she has realized how much family time she has missed because of the demands of the job. At this stage in her life, she wants to spend more time with the people she loves and enjoy the things that matter most to her while she can.
Her plans after leaving Germantown are to slow down a little, spend more time with her grandkids, travel, enjoy the outdoors, and be more present in everyday life.
Becker said the relationships are what she will remember most about Germantown. Through the school's HOUSE Program, they made an intentional effort to build connections among students and staff across all grade levels. Becker said those relationships are what make Germantown a special place to learn, work and grow.
She also said Raise the Roof Rockfest fundraiser for a new Germantown gym stands out as a special moment. Rockfest was in September 2024 and was headlined by Vince Neil, the lead singer from the band Mötley Crüe. Area classic rock band Head East opened for Neil.
Also performing were Joe Dirt, Taco Truck and the Cheers Band. Joe Dirt, Head East and Neil all performed on the main stage and Cheers Band and Taco Truck performed on the side stage. Taco Truck also performed following the performances from Joe Dirt and Head East.
"Seeing so many people come together to bring a rock concert to Schoendienst Park was truly surreal," Becker said. "The amount of time, energy, and heart that went into that event was incredible. The support our school and surrounding communities have shown toward our efforts to Raise the Roof for a new gym has also been amazing. We may not have raised the roof quite yet, but we are getting closer every day."
Becker said she had amazing support from the Germantown staff during her time as superintendent. The staff was instrumental in the continued growth and improvement as a school district and the work they do changes lives. As the challenges facing schools have evolved over the years, the staff has consistently stepped up and found ways to turn those challenges into opportunities for students.
“Who Let The Dogs Out?” ... “Who?” ... “Who?” Superintendent Robin Becker is being pulled in a wagon by a bulldog.
The staff has been willing to think differently and embrace new ideas that have allowed Germantown to implement meaningful programming that supports the academic, social and emotional needs of students.
"I will be forever grateful to the people, past and present, who have played a role in making Germantown Elementary the school it is today," Becker said.
Martin Son has been announced as Becker's replacement and will take over the superintendent role this coming school year.
Becker said the district is in good hands.
"While it is difficult to step away from a place that has meant so much to me, I do so knowing the district is in good hands, filled with caring people who will continue moving it forward in positive ways," Becker said. "I will always cherish my time at Germantown and will forever be thankful for the opportunity to serve the community. Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog"
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