Light on action, full on accolades — O’Fallon City Council honors paramedics, volunteer
Four paramedics and a longtime community volunteer have been honored for their selfless good deeds.
The O’Fallon City Council was light on action Monday but heavy on gratitude for those who demonstrate leadership skills and make the city a better place to live.
“This is another thing that makes O’Fallon what it is — people willing to step up and do a little bit extra,” said Mayor Herb Roach.
The National Society of Multiple Sclerosis has recognized four O’Fallon-Shiloh EMS paramedics — Doug Sutphin, Kayla Hoese, Patty Hefner and Jason Butler — after responding to an emergency call regarding an individual with the disease.
Roach said the four “went above and beyond with extraordinary care.”
Additionally, as a gesture of appreciation for the 11 years Ken Beeman devoted to the O’Fallon Area Habitat for Humanity — part of the Lewis and Clark Chapter — he was issued a proclamation.
Roach said Beeman served as president until recently. Because of his efforts, which began in 2010, six dilapidated houses have been turned into homes for 25 grateful family members.
“They needed a little helping hand,” he said. “Beeman started with it (Habitat), stayed with it and built it into what it is today. He was willing to volunteer and took on a leadership role.”
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction “that every man, woman, and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live.” They welcome volunteers.
Roach talked about being grateful as the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday approaches and returns to celebrations now that families can get together, unlike last year due to COVID.
He wished everyone an opportunity to gather with family over the holiday.
“I have a lot to be thankful about,” he said.
Holiday Activities in O’Fallon
During the mayor’s report, Roach mentioned upcoming activities in town and noted city hall will be closed Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26.
For those in need, the Community Thanksgiving Meal will be served this year from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 25, at the Faith Lutheran Church on U.S. 50. However, with safety in mind, it will be curbside delivery only. Roach said he and his wife plan on helping again this year.
“They do a fabulous job,” he said.
The Illuminated Holiday Parade will return this year downtown at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m., welcoming Santa Claus to O’Fallon.
“I want to shout-out to Beth Spradling Ortega and her elves for their dedication and planning,” he said. “Everyone is looking forward to this event.”
Historical Society open house
O’Fallon Historical Society members Caroline Malare, Valerie Hancock, and Elinor Schlosser attended the meeting to personally invite city officials to an open house at the O’Fallon History Museum, 101 W. State St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.
There will be tours and refreshments, and the gift shop will be open. Santa will visit from 1-3 p.m. and there will be an entertainment program at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., with nationally known organist Jack Moelmann playing music of the season.
Additionally, the event will include a sing-along and a Laurel and Hardy movie short. Malare is the chair and said the group has worked hard to prepare for the event.
Ordinance First Reading
Habitat for Humanity’s O’Fallon Area Chapter plans to develop six single-family homes on two acres of land the city currently owns and will sell to the non-profit group. Rezoning plans for 132 and 126 Booster Road, sites that measure 1.08 and .94 acres have advanced for final approval at the Dec. 6 meeting.
The city is proposing to subdivide into four lots on the 1.08 acres parcel and two lots on the .94-acre site, and rezone both. The property is now vacant after two single-family homes were demolished on the site. They were abandoned and foreclosed upon in St. Clair County, and the structures were beyond repair.
An additional home will be built at 112 Booster Road, but that will retain its current zoning and will not be subdivided.
The plan is to eventually widen Booster Road to provide better access for residents and public safety services, but those improvements will occur later after the necessary right-of-way is obtained.
In other news, the mayor announced construction on Venita Drive between Taylor Road and Simmons Road has been completed, about a week ahead of schedule, and the road has been reopened to traffic. Venita Drive was reconstructed with new storm sewer, curb and gutter and an asphalt surface.
This story was originally published November 16, 2021 at 5:30 PM.