Meeting Minutes: October 21, 2025
Council called to order by Mayor Searight on October 21, 2025 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray — Thank you, God, for all that you do for us, our community, and our country. We ask you to bless this meeting and what is discussed, as we look towards the future. We ask for your leadership in all that we do not only in this meeting, but in each and every day. We ask all these things in your Holy Name, Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Shane Young, Chris Heitkamp
Also attending: Francis Schaffner, Robbie Peel, Patrolman Miller, Ross Finke, Erin -from the Daily Standard.
Motion Mary. Second Marcas to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Luke called for the question. Mary = y, Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Shane = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas. Second Luke toaccept the minutes from the October 7, 2025 council meeting as presented. Chris called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Mary = y, Shane = y. Passed 6 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
It’s almost here, Rocktoberfest, Trick or Treat, and costume judging will take over Rockford this Saturday. It’s a family friendly day that lasts most of the day and is uniquely done in Rockford. It all starts out at noon in downtown Rockford with the Chamber of Commerce Rocktoberfest consisting of a car show, games, eats, and all sorts of vendors. This lasts till 4 PM, then at 5 PM Treat or Treaters fill the sidewalks with all sorts of costumes. They will be out and about until 6:30 PM and the center stage goes to the Rockford Fire Department for costume judging. Each event adds their special Rockford niche that makes our town special. Get out and enjoy the day and have the candy ready for those special little ones.
A little less than two weeks ago while walking I notices two guys going from door to door in the middle of the afternoon. When I questioned them, they just got smart with me which made me to believe they wasn’t out for whoever answered the door. I called Chief Stetler, and he made them leave town. Bottom line, we have a “No Solicitation” ordinance here and most reputable businesses are aware of that, so they won’t come calling on you at your door. If you do have someone, come to your door and you answer it, don’t let them in and if at all possible, have a barrier between you and them. Talk to them and don’t let them know that you’re by yourself either. Don’t confront them as solicitor’s as they’ll tell you everything you would want to hear to make you believe they have permission. They don’t and once they’ve left let the police know where they’re going and the description of them. We can’t take care of a problem that we don’t know about.
I hope you have checked out on who you’re going to vote for and why. And you know why both Vantage and Mercer County Health District needs your vote.
These all affects you in some way or fashion. But most importantly Vote.
We have a lot going on in this community and we need to take pride in what we are doing. So, let us make Rockford the best it can be, if we work together, we can make this happen. Thank you.
Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.
God Bless you,
Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Saturday – October 25 – Rocktoberfest – noon – 4 pm
Special Events Include: Car show, Hay Rides, Spin the Wheel, Kids Zone, Entertainment by DJ – Ben Sheppard spinning your Halloween Hits and a Fremont Catsup by the case sales! A Book Sale @ Rockford Carnegie Library along with take and make crafts for children and adults. There is something for everyone!
New this year: 1st 50 cars receive a Rocktoberfest dash plate and all cars will be entered into CASH PRIZE drawings. For all attendees —- ‘ATTENDENACE PRIZES’ – Gift baskets and gift cards. Stop by the Catsup sales table near the car wash to sign up ! 1 Entry per person 😊
Saturday – October 25 – Trick or Treat – 5 – 6:30 pm
Saturday – October 25th – Costume Judging – Fire Department – 7 pm
Tuesday – November 4th – General Election – Community Building
Sunday – November 9th – Hydrant Flushing – throughout the Village.
Friday – November 14th – St. Teresa Chili Supper – Community Building
Sunday – November 23rd – Makers Market Holiday Market and Christmas lighting at Shanes Park — Groups and individuals willing to help please contact
Ashley Stetler or Deb Bagley.
Village Administrator’s Report – Aaron Temple – absent. Report by Mayor Searight.
Thanks for understanding reasons for missing recent council meetings. Hopefully the girls can continue to win and I will have to miss more meetings.
Second phase of the Shanes Crossing Subdivision – weather has been ideal for work and they are off to a great start — right now ahead of schedule. It’s coming along good and it’s exciting to hear talk abut inquiries on purchasing lots.
We have been doing street repairs with the Dura patcher. It has been working really well and it’s going to buy us some significant amount of time on some of our less traveled streets. We will working on budgeting so we can do more next year.
Leaf pick up — begins Monday – November 3rd. PLEASE line the leaves along the tree lawns but not in the streets. We are also asking that you do not gather your leaves around mailboxes, sign posts, or utility poles.
Shanes Park – Restroom reconstruction project will begin soon so please understand that the restrooms will be closed and not available until Spring.
Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Shane Young –
Motion Shane to pay bills as presented $34,806.22. Second Luke.
Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Luke = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Mary= y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Shane to accept Mayors Court pay in of $1004.00 Second Mary.
Marcas called for the question. Shane = y, Mary = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Rules Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Service Committee: Mary Beougher
The Village and Vantage have a good partnership — vote YES for Vantage on Nov 4th!
Safety Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Economic Development Committee: Marcas Heitkamp – Council President
Public Utilities Committee: Luke Stephenson
Mercer County’s new ELECTRIC AGGREGATION contract will begin December 2025 and go until December 2026. The rate will be $0.0945 and Dynegy is the supplier.
If you did not receive a letter regarding the Mercer County Electric aggregation, then you most likely are not included. If you want information to join, please contact the Village office.
Visitor to address Council:
Old Business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned at 7:41 pm
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Mayor Fiscal officer
