A lifelong Monee resident wants the village board of trustees to consider taking a formal stand on equality.
Kathy King-Watters read a statement from her son, Kyle, during the April 22 meeting of the board.
“This is something my son Kyle wrote,” she said.
“He isn’t here tonight because he is working on his final presentation for his master’s in clinical psychology that he’s giving on Friday. So, being a teacher, I said I’d take care of that.
“I’ve lived in Monee all my life,” he wrote.
“I’d like for Monee to make a statement that says everyone who belongs to a protected class as stated in the Illinois Human Rights Act is welcome in Monee.
“This includes race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, marital status, and military status.
“A member of my family spoke to the village administration last year,” his statement continued, “and was told on this issue that it’s not the right time, but I’d like to ask the question, ‘When is the right time?’”
After reading the statement, Kyle’s mother added, “So, you wanted to know wants and opinions. There you go.”
There was no discussion following King-Watters comments.
The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) was signed into law by Gov. James R. Thompson on December 6, 1979. It consolidated various anti-discrimination agencies to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, financial credit, and public accommodations. It became effective on July 1, 1980.
Also during the board meeting, Trustee John Henson announced that LEAD, Monee’s signature law enforcement appreciation event, will not take place this year.
“Tracey and myself have done LEAD in Monee for the past five years,” he said.
“This year, due to circumstances, we will not be able to do it, but we will be back in 2027. My apologies, but we will come back with a vengeance in 2027.”
Henson has always said the purpose of LEAD is to “honor our heroes in Blue.”
The popular event typically begins with a parade of vehicles, followed by picnic-style free food, raffles, and camaraderie.
All proceeds benefit the Officer Down Memorial Page.
In other business, Trustee Scott Youdris reported on public safety responses during April. He noted that:
- On 4-14-26 and 4-15-26 EMA and Monee Fire put out a Community Alert using reverse 911 and social media for a mercaptan leak in University Park. Mercaptan is a chemical added to natural gas to give natural gas its pungent odor. At no time was there an outside danger, but 911 dispatch was receiving a heavy call volume due to the smell.
- 4-16-26 EMA was called to Monee-Manhattan Road and the I-57 northbound ramp for a semi that separated from its trailer. EMA provided four traffic units for one hour.
- 4-17-26 EMA went into storm mode operations for severe weather for two hours. EMA provided weather spotters and damage assessment. No damage or flooding within Monee.
- EMA took delivery of a thermal imaging monocular. This tool will be used for search and rescue and night operations.
“This Friday, Officer David Arroyo will graduate from the Police Academy in Decatur,” he added. “This puts us at full staffing and should have David on solo patrol just in time for Fall Fest.
“And Friday, May 15, is our annual ‘Cop on Top’ fundraiser for Special Olympics. Mark your calendars! See you at Dunkin’ Donuts bright and early.”