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Superintendent of Public Works, Chris Remick recently completed Class 1 & 2 of Wastewater School at the Environmental Resources Training Center located at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Chris has excelled in his role as Superintendent over the past year, eagerly taking any opportunity presented to learn more about the Waste Water Treatment Plant. He enjoys the biology and chemistry components of the day to day operations. We are very proud of you, Chris! 

The Girl Scouts have been BUSY this summer with their projects around town. We want to extend our sincerest thanks to our local troop for their hard work and dedication. The gorgeous planters full of bright blooms certainly add to the beauty of our town. Great work ladies! 

Beginning July 1, 2022, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) will offer rebates to public and private entities for the installation and maintenance of Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Rebate awards may cover up to 80% of the eligible project costs. Additional rebates are available for EV charging stations deployed in underserved and environmental justice communities. For more information, see the IEPA Climate and Equitable Jobs Act website.

Up to 80% of the cost of the installation of charging stations may be funded. Additional awards may incentivize charging infrastructure in eligible communities. Additional information can be found at: https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/ceja/Pages/default.aspx

VILLAGE OF NEW ATHENS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is given that a public hearing will be held on the 30th day of June 2022 at 7:00pm at the Village Hall 905 Spotsylvania with reference to the Annual Appropriation Ordinance. The Ordinance will be published in pamphlet form and be available at Village Hall. 

We are very lucky to have a great village with so many recreational opportunities! With the beautiful summer weather, many of us are enjoying long walks with our four legged best friends. As a friendly reminder, whether taking Rover for a jog on the Levee or Fido for a stroll through the cemetery, we must all do our part to keep everyone safe, happy and healthy. Please always have your furry friends leashed and clean up any messes they may leave behind.

Have a great summer New Athens! 

We have received a grant to construct 1335 linear feet of ADA-compliant sidewalk adjacent to Spotsylvania Street from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO).  The sidewalk will begin at Hanft street and proceed west.  To be eligible for the grant, the location had to specifically be along a major thoroughfare and located in close proximity to a public school. Sidewalks are an important part of our infrastructure, and we will be applying for more sidewalk related grants.

Thanks to Debby Politsch, Chairman of the Grants Committee, Gary Kearns, Chairman of the Streets and Alleys Committee, Arlene Geppert, village board member and Chris Remick, Superintendent of Public Works for all their hard work on the grant.

May 31, 2022, at 2:30 PM Governor JB Pritzker held a press conference in Justice, Illinois where he announced 50.7 million in new infrastructure grants awarded to 34 communities, counties and localities across Illinois.  The Village of New Athens was awarded $515,000 for resurfacing Spotsylvania.  The applicant contribution was $50,000.  The award will not be increased for inflation which is currently estimated at $100,000.  Therefore, the total cost of the project is estimated at $665,000, funded with the grant proceeds of $515,000 and the village contribution of $150,000.

Mayor Behnken stated,  "It takes a team for a grant application to be converted to an award.  The mayor’s office wants to thank Debby Politsch, Village Grant Committee Chairman, Chris Remick, Superintendent of Public Works and Amy Benwell, Village Clerk.  The mayor also wants to thank State Senator Terri Bryant, Wendy Bell, Deputy Director of Office of Community Development, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (ILDCEO) and Tracey Glenn ILCEO Southwest Region Manager for their assistance and courtesies."

The New Athens VFW Post 7710 had an inspirational Memorial Day Ceremony on a beautiful morning.  There was a nice crowd for the ceremony.

To quote Howard William Osterkamp, US Army 1951-53-Korea, “All gave some, some gave all.”

God Bless our fallen and surviving Veterans.

-Mayor Joe

The Village of New Athens is accepting proposals for the leasing, operation and management of the Marina venue on the Kaskaskia river. Please submit a detailed proposal to the Village Hall by June 15, 2022. A link to the Request for Information is available here: RFI Marina 2022.2.pdf

On May 10, 2022 the Illinois Education Association - NEA (Region 4, Edwardsville) presented the 'Friend of Education Award' to Lt. Tim Buehler, D.A.R.E. Officer with the New Athens Police Department.  New Athens Teacher's Association teachers Chris Bierman and Cathy Gaby were the nominators.  The Awards Banquet was held at The Bullpen Bar & Grill in New Athens.  Other award recipients were from:  Sparta, Coulterville, Freeburg, Columbia, Centralia, Waterloo, Okawville and Red Bud.  We are so proud of the dedication Lt. Buehler has to our youth and community. Congratulations!