Meeting Minutes: May 19, 2026
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on May 19, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray – Dear God, thank you for all your blessings and guidance. We ask that you guide us and lead us through this meeting and that we make decisions that honor you as well, as the people we serve. We ask a special prayer to our present and past service members as well. We ask all these things in your Holy Name, Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Shane Young. Marcas Heitkamp andChris Heitkamp – absent.
Also attending: Chief Westgerdes, Robbie Peel, Erin from the Daily Standard.
Motion Mary. Second Shane to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Luke called for the question. Mary = y, Shane = y, Luke = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.
Motion Luke. Second Mary toaccept the minutes from the May 5, 2026 council meeting as presented. Shane called for the question. Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y, Mark = y. Passed 4 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
Saturday May 9th was more than just a normal Saturday here in Rockford. It was a time for people to come together for good causes. I witnessed two of them and both were well attended. The first event was the placing of the American flags at Riverside Cemetery to pay respect to all of service personnel that have now passed away. This precludes the Memorial Day event later this month. It was supposed to start at 9 AM. but by 9:20 everything was done and wrapping up. Just guessing there were 20 to 30 people showing their gratitude in performing this task.
All the while up town at Second Crossing, they had people setting up for the 5K Run/Walk for Asher. Once again, they probably had another 20 to 30 people doing many tasks that needed to be in place for a large event. This didn’t
disappoint anyone either, as they had approximately 360 individuals of all ages walking or running to raise money for Asher. It didn’t stop there, as many local businesses, private individuals, and Parkway Teachers donated items to be sold during the auction that followed the 5K. This event raised a considerable amount of money for a family in need during a difficult time. Big thanks to the organizers, the items that were donated, and all the people that provided all the services to make this happen throughout the day. It demonstrates how great of a community and area that we live in. That’s small-town pride, is what I heard from many people during the event. That’s what we have in Rockford! Be proud of it as we’re blessed to be surrounded with so many good people.
It doesn’t stop there, as Parkway Schools volunteered to help beautify the village. The second-grade class cleaned up the park on Tuesday May 12th, and they just did a wonderful job in doing so. This marks the third year that they have done this and what a difference it has made. Then on Wednesday May 13 the Middle School students went to all three villages to do work for approximately 2 hrs. From all reports that I received they outperformed all expectations. They definitely did it here in Rockford, as they spread the mulch around the trees downtown. Another group painted a large majority of our fire hydrants, west of Main St. An even larger group mulched most of the park, making it hard for the village employees to keep with the loading of their buckets. All this was generated by the Parkway Schools and their staff, along with many volunteers. What a great idea along with the buy in by the students doing the work. These kids did this with pride and dedication in making it look great, as they were detail oriented. Rockford thanks the Parkway students for volunteering their time in making our town look better. A job well done!
I’d also like to clarify some things from my last Mayor’s Report. Most of the lots are still available to be purchased in the Second Phase. They will have three homes built for purchase later this year and more to follow. To find out more information about these lots and or lots with homes. Call any realtor in this area for more information.
Earlier, I said something about Memorial Day which is May 25th. Please give it some consideration about this day, as we honor our service people that gave it all for our freedom. Most were in their youth, many were drafted, yet others volunteered, but they loved our country enough to put their lives on the line. We presently have service individuals in harm’s way, and we need to be thinking and praying for their safety as well. Give it some thought and thank a service member or one that has served. Come out to the parade and participate in Memorial Day service at Hedge’s Park next Monday morning. Take pride in America and take pride in Rockford!
Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”
God Bless you,
Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Monday – Memorial Day – Village office closed.
Sunday – May 31st – Rockford Maker’s Market – Shanes Park 11 am – 2 pm
Friday – June 12th – Community Days Sponsoring the Van Wert Community Band — Shanes Park Pavilion — ice cream truck involved !
Let’s celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
Sunday – June 14 – Maker’s Market – Shanes Park – 11 am – 2 pm
Friday – June 19th — Rockford Lions Club Car Show and Cruise In – 4 pm
Friday & Saturday – June 19 & 20 – Rockford Community Garage Sales –
No map – advertise your own sale.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple – absent report by Mayor Searight
I would like to reiterate what Ron had to say about all the volunteering through the school. It was wonderful to see and the kids did a great job. Once again thank you to Mr. Triplett for organizing the event. Also, would like to thank the second grade and all of the teachers that helped clean up the park the day before the Parkway junior high kids came in to help us out. The guys and I are hoping to carve out some time to paint some more hydrants and even some curbs yet this summer.
The condition of the playhouses at Shanes Park have been a hot topic lately. I have taken a look at them and I believe they can all be repaired at a fairly reasonable cost. As soon as we get a couple other projects at the park finished up, we will be moving to repair the playhouses. We will be in contact with Kore Construction and Councilman Stephenson to help out and put together a parts list since they were the original builders.
Spoke several times with HSI solar over the last week. They are working to have a revised contract and 30% of the design completed by the end of the week.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – absent
Motion Mark to pay the bills as presented $21,499.96. Second Luke. Mary called for the question. Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 4 yes.
Motion Mark to accept the Mayor’s Court pay in $616. Second Mary. Luke called for the question. Mark = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Shane = y. Passed 4 yes.
Rules Committee: Mary Beougher
Will be setting up a committee meeting.
Would be happy to volunteer helping with the playhouses — need any painting done ?
Service Committee: Shane Young
Safety Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp – absent
Old Business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned 7:43 pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
