The Village of Grant Park is starting 2026 with as many new board members as old, but is tending to business as usual without any disruptions.
Village President Ben Detloff remains at the helm, along with Trustees Gerry Morgan and Susie Wiedl. Trustee Julie Quinn was appointed by Detloff in May 2025. Newcomers to the board, all appointed by Detloff, include Jason Martin, Jodi Wackerlin, and Angie Nowak.
The new trustees were appointed in November and December, following the quiet departures of Morgan Whorrall, Steve Brower, and Dennis Martz at the end of 2025.
Whorrall previously served on the board but did not seek another term in the April 2025 election; however, she was later appointed by Detloff in May alongside Quinn.
When a resignation letter was requested, The Vedette was advised Whorrall notified the mayor of her resignation in person on November 24, citing personal reasons.
Brower had resigned at the end of October, and Martz followed suit shortly thereafter in early November; both had been elected in the April 2025 municipal election and neither publicly cited specific reasons for leaving.
Village Clerk Scott Dillman offered the new board members his assistance with any questions and informed them the Kankakee County Clerk’s office had just sent out economic interest forms, which are due in May.
The new board approved bill payments: $18,673.81 from the corporate fund, $1,519.16 from the motor fuel tax fund, and $403.41 from the fest account. December payroll also was approved by the board.
Regarding village finances, Morgan reported a finance committee meeting would be held at 5:30 p.m. on January 20 to review the revenue budget. He explained he and the mayor would review finances and determine budget allotments.
Wackerlin, who now heads the community outreach committee, presented to the board for approval the following expenditures: a raffle ticket cost not to exceed $80, an Easter bunny costume not to exceed $55, and a $500 donation to Harbor House. All were approved.
Police Chief Carl Frey informed the board there have been some issues with the outdoor tornado sirens. The dispatch center had installed a new transmitter, but it was not transmitting to all the sirens in the county. The issue now has been resolved, and all outdoor warning systems are fully operational.
Nowak provided an update on the law enforcement committee meeting, noting future development needs for the police department, including a three- to four-car garage capable of storing all squad cars. The police department also will need a new server in the near future.
The board approved a new part-time police officer, Officer Joseph Magiliano. Magiliano has 20 years of experience as an officer and holds several certifications, including in truck enforcement and accident investigation, among others.
Quinn posed a request to add more locations for the public to obtain naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, which can reverse an opioid overdose. Some discussion took place about other possible locations beyond the police station.
Before the meeting concluded, Detloff advised that he is in contact with Miller Pipeline to repair or replace the asphalt installed after the pipeline work, as it has failed and sunk below grade. He also expressed his gratitude to those who made the Christmas Day meal possible.