Storms, emergency issues on Cobden Board agenda

The Cobden Village Board had a busy agenda at a regular meeting held Monday night, May 18. The meeting was at Cobden Village Hall.

Highlights from minutes of the meeting follow:

The village received $1,245.32 from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency as reimbursement for January ice storm expenses.

Trustee Alan Eddington is looking into the feasibility of adding an additional storm warning siren in Cobden.

A survey will be conducted to ask residents if they are able to hear the present siren during storm warnings to determine areas of the village that may not hear a storm alert.

Two large trees in the Cobden Cemetery were damaged during the May 8 storm which struck the region. The trees will need to be removed by a professional tree service.

Village superintendent Larry Nance is seeking proposals for removal of the trees, but most contractors are committed to clearing storm damage in Jackson and Williamson counties.

The village board authorized the expenditure of up to $20,000 for the purchase of a generator from Cummins Mid South LLC. The cost include includes installation and start-up.

Mayor Molly Beckley and trustee Eddington reported on Senior Services for Union County and the needs of senior citizens in the Cobden community.

Eddington is seeking information about development of a senior center and multipurpose building for Cobden.

The People’s Market (farmers’ market) is planned at the site of the former People’s Market on South Front Street beginning June 6.

A Cobden Summer Festival is being planned in the downtown park on June 20. Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Crafts, a flea market, food, games and music are scheduled.

Mayor Beckley is gathering information regarding participation in a program to designate U.S. Route 51 as U.S. Heritage 51.