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TRENTON
THURS., DEC. 21, 2023
REPUBLICAN-TIMES “GOD BLESS AMERICA”
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Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 160th Year - No. 16
City Council Holds Special Meeting
Tolson Scores 1,000th Point One of the greatest achievements in a high school basketball player’s career is reaching the 1,000th point marker. It takes time, patience and knowledge on how to get to the basket and score. Many don’t achieve this moment until their senior year of high school, after having four seasons under them. But on December 18, 2023, Trenton high school junior Kiefer Tolson achieved this great accomplishment. During their Holiday Hoops matchup at the NCMC Ketcham Community Center against the Brookfield Bulldogs, the crowd waited patiently for the moment to happen after following Tolson’s career the last two seasons. People in the stands included his family, fellow classmates and community members. With less than a minute on the clock during the first quarter of the Holiday Hoops game, Tolson’s teammates focused on one thing, getting Tolson the ball. The Trenton Bulldogs were able to steal the ball, making a fast break away down the court, with Tolson leading the way. With 25.2 seconds left, Tolson went for the layup, but was fouled by the Brookfield defense. Making his way to the free throw-line, one shot stood between Tolson and this great accomplishment. With a form that had been perfected after many years and a perfectly quiet gym, Tolson took the shot and, with ease, it made its way through the hole. The quiet gym erupted with chants and cheers as a short time out was taken to recognize the junior’s hard work. With this being only the ninth game of the season, there is no doubt, for the rest of it and during next year's season, that Tolson will continue to work hard and score more points.
The Trenton City Council met in special session on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, to discuss the hiring of a City Attorney and prosecutor and the pay for the water and sewer distribution. In attendance were Mayor Jackie Soptic; Council Members William Fisher, Glenn Briggs, Calvin Brown, Marvin Humphreys, Timothy Meinecke, David Mlika, John Dolan; City Attorney Tara Walker; City Administrator/Utilities Director Ron Urton; and City Clerk Cindy Simpson. Absent was Councilmember Duane Urich. First was the discussion of hiring a new City attorney and prosecutor. There were two applications presented to the city council members. One application was submitted by Chapman and Cowherd PC, from Chillicothe. The other application was submitted [See Council, Page 2]
RT Photo by Libby Endicott
BRIEFS City Holiday Closing
Trenton City Hall and Trenton Municipal Utilities have announced their offices will be closing at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 22 and will be closed all day Monday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday.
Election Filings
For the City of Trenton City Council, incumbent Duane Urich, who resides at 4028 E. 10th Street, has filed for reelection as fourth ward councilman. Amy Lewis has filed for one of the two 3-year terms on the Grundy County Nursing Home District Board of Directors. Filing for the municipal election to be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024 began Tuesday, December 5 and runs through Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
Spickard BOA Meets
The Spickard Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6 p.m. in Spickard City Hall. The agenda for the meeting was approved, along with the minutes from the previous meeting and the payment of all bills. It was announced that filing dates for two seats on the board of aldermen for the April 2, 2024 municipal election are Tuesday, Dec. 5 through Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. City Hall will be closed Monday, December 25, 2023 and Monday, January 1, 2024. The next meeting of the Spickard Board of Aldermen will be Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6 p.m. in Spickard City Hall.
Area Boards Discuss Bids, Filing Dates The Pleasant View RVI, Grundy R-V, Laredo RVII, Tri-County R-VII and Princeton R-V school boards met recently to discuss bids, election filing dates and other important matters before winter break. Pleasant View R-VI The Pleasant View R-VI Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, December 12 in the school cafeteria. Board members present were President Damien Little, Vice President Ben Thomas, members Derek McCauslin, Jennifer Belvel, Laurie Frisbie and Tim Miller. Jack Bethards attended via phone conference. Superintendent Re-
becca Steinhoff was also present. Consent items, including the agenda, minutes from the last meeting, financial statement and bills, were unanimously approved. Preschool teacher Abby Richman gave an update of the school year. In old business, building improvements were discussed, with no action taken. An update was given on the drainage project and cafeteria entry way. There was discussion of future projects that included laying epoxy on the bathroom floors, the exterior siding of the school, a new sound system, bus lease renewal and new classroom doors.
In new business, the 2022-2023 audit was approved on a unanimous vote. Superintendent Steinhoff gave an update on the Board of Education filings. Derek McCauslin and Zach Harris have both filed for three year terms. Filings are still being accepted for candidacy for the April 2, 2024 election. Vacancies to be filled are two three-year terms (Jack Bethards and Jennifer Belvel) and one one-year term (Derek McCauslin). Candidates may still file at the district office during regular school hours (8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Filings will not occur on days in which the dis-
Merry Christmas! from the Staff at the Republican-Times We will be closed Monday, Dec. 25 to Monday, Jan. 1 and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 9 a.m. for regular business hours.
Jamey, D’Anna, Megan, Becca, Anita, Libby, Kristi & Chula
trict is closed due to inclement weather or sickness, weekends or between the dates of December 18December 25, 2023 for winter break. The office will close at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, December 15. The office will re-open from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. only on Tuesday, December 26. Future dates of importance announced included: 12/26-Board of Education filing ends. School office will be open from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. 1/3-Staff Work Day 1/4-School Resumes 1/15-No School-MLK Day The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Pleasant View R-VI Board [See Boards, Page 2]