Letter from Village President Hettermann - Current Updates and Fall 2024 Lookahead

Dear Village Resident and Business Owner,

As our children returned back to school this week, I would like to remind everyone to be cautious when traveling throughout the community and be mindful of pedestrians and bicyclists. Keeping our Village safe requires the efforts of the entire community but it starts with each person as an individual. “Safety doesn’t happen by accident.” Make the effort to help keep Johnsburg safe.

You have likely noticed a lot of construction activity taking place by the bridge on Chapel Hill Road. I am excited to announce that the Village’s River Sewer Extension project is now underway! The project includes the extension of a carrier pipe and force main under the river and the construction of a lift station that will eventually accommodate 500 residential homes and 50 acres of commercial and economic redevelopment properties on the Village’s east side. The project, which is partially funded by a $500,000 Department of Commerce and Economic Improvement (DCEO) Grant and $865,693 in American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding, is expected to be substantially complete by the end of the year.

Phase I of the Riverside Drive Road Improvement Project is almost complete and the road is expected to reopen in the next couple of weeks. The concrete box culverts have been installed, grading is complete and the base coarse is in place. Final surfacing is scheduled to begin tomorrow and guardrail installation and striping will follow soon thereafter. I realize the road closure has created inconveniences and I greatly appreciate the patience and understanding that has been expressed by the community.

The resurfacing of Bay Road, Spring Grove Road, Grouse Trail and Church Street is now complete. Final punchlist items will be addressed on Sunnyside Beach Drive and plans for the gate have been drawn and fabrication will begin shortly. The Church Street Realignment project is also near completion. Crosswalk signalization has been ordered and will be installed once received.

Our public works team has been busy performing culvert and signage replacements, ditch shaping, road shouldering and pavement patching. The unusual amount of rain we’ve experienced this summer has required them to direct more attention to tree trimming and mowing but they will soon be freed up to perform other projects planned this year. Grading will begin shortly at Sunnyside Memorial Park in preparation for pickle ball courts and new playground equipment that will be installed in the Spring thanks to a generous donor.  Grading will also begin in Lions Park in preparation for the new shelter that has been donated by the Johnsburg Lions Club. The park on Jay Street in Remington Grove will soon be improved for half-court basketball and swings are being ordered which will be installed once received. Additional tree and shrub clearly will be underway at Chapel Hill Golf Course and new t-markers are planned for installation in the Spring.

The fast approaching Labor Day weekend is a harsh reminder that the warm days of Summer are quickly coming to an end and Fall will soon be upon us. As disappointing as that is, I’m also reminded of the great community events and activities that will soon take place beginning with the Johnsburg Lions Club Cart Cruise for Charity being held this Saturday beginning at Sunnyside Tavern. Check in starts at 11:00 a.m. or sign up in advance at johnsburglionsclub.com.

Mark your calendars for Saufen und Spiel weekend September 6th through the 8th hosted by the Johnsburg Community Club, Johnsburg Community Men’s Club and Johnsburg Lions Club. Join your neighbors and friends at the Johnsburg Community Club grounds for a weekend of games, music and fellowship, good food, beverages, and of course the parade. This year’s event will also include fireworks in conjunction with the Black Light Bean Bag tournament being held on Friday, September 6th.

Soon thereafter, the Village of Johnsburg and the Community Affairs Committee will host Celebration in the Park. If you are not familiar with this event, you are missing one of Johnsburg’s most popular events. I encourage you to invite your family, friends and neighbors to come out to enjoy a fun filled evening with live music, delicious food and cold beverages. The event also includes games, hayrides, and fireworks. This year’s event is taking place earlier in the season on Saturday, September 21st at Hiller Park beginning at 5:00 p.m. We are truly grateful to the generous contributors who make this event possible. Donations, in any amount, from individuals, groups or businesses are still needed and greatly appreciated. For more information or to contribute to this event, please contact the Village Hall at 815-385-6023.

In closing, I wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you as your Village President. If you have any questions about any Village concern, please do not hesitate to call me on my cell phone at (815) 482-8605 or leave a message at the Village Hall at 815-385-6023. I hope to see you at the Fall festivities.

Respectfully,

Edwin P. Hettermann
Village President