The Peotone Police Department promoted Officer Kenneth Burrow to the position of sergeant, with Chief David DeMik reporting to the village board that Burrow was ranked first on the eligibility list. DeMik asserted Burrow was well qualified for the position.
Officer Jack Hille was moved from part-time officer to full-time officer as of June 7 to fill a vacancy created by Officer John Popek, who retired.
Additionally, the Peotone Police Department is conducting a background check on a new part-time officer, and DeMik reported he would provide more information on that soon.
DeMik also reported that costs associated with dispatch from Laraway Communications Center were reduced by 1.22 percent, which was the largest decrease of any agency in the 29 agencies LCC serves. He noted other agencies’ costs were increased by nearly 30 percent, but Peotone’s share decreased due to internal operation changes.
In an effort to be proactive in deterring gaming burglaries, the police department has increased additional patrols, scheduled at random, and the chief has participated in night-shift duties, particularly when other incidents have occurred.
The village board also approved the renewal of a memorandum of understanding that authorizes a School Resource Officer to provide protection services to Peotone School District 207U and the community at large. The new agreement reimburses overtime at 100 percent, versus the 50 percent reimbursement of previous years.
Chief DeMik also presented Officer Jake Weiffenbach with a recognition award from the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists for his DUI enforcement.
Other Village News
Severe weather that impacted the area mostly spared Peotone.
“We dodged a bullet, but our neighbors did not,” Public Works Supervisor Bob Hennke said. He and his crews intend to help out the neighboring communities with cleanup efforts.
The village held a preconstruction meeting for the MFT road construction project, which will begin soon.
The sidewalk replacement program is underway, with the village having awarded the bid to Davis Concrete Construction, the lowest of five bids received, in the amount of $39,865.
New Peotone School Superintendent Mark Cohen will replace Brandon Owens, the former superintendent, on the Christmas Commission.
The 39th annual Peotone Car Club car show was a success with 238 cars registered in the event. Car Club representative Andrea Arens attended the board meeting to thank the public works and police departments, as well as the mayor and clerk, for their help and support during the event.
“That was a fantastic show, fantastic turnout,” Mayor Chris Vieaux said.
It was estimated to have brought anywhere from 100 to 500 people to the downtown area. The car club also awards scholarships to Peotone High School automotive or trades students.