The Village has been monitoring local and federal mandates during this critical time. With COVID-19 spread now in every region of the state and positivity rates at record highs, all regions will move into Tier 3 effective this Friday, November 20 . This latest round of mitigations aims to limit gatherings and encourages residents to stay home as much as possible and follow proper safety measures when out in public. View the new mitigation requirements.
The Governor's Executive Order mandating all our local restaurants and bars to cease indoor dine-in services went into effect. I believe it will be extended through the holidays. The latest mandates will have a devastating affect on our local restaurants. Last time they had the Payroll Protection Program to help support lost income. Currently they are not receiving any help from the government.
This is a very difficult situation they are faced with. Many people’s jobs are dependent on their survival. I’m asking that you continue to do whatever you can to support our local restaurants and businesses. Please remember that these businesses can continue to provide delivery, drive-thru and curb-side services as other options. You all have been so great and they continue to tell me how appreciative they are for your support.
The Governor has also asked that we don’t meet in groups of 10 or more. Please remember this when meeting with friends and for family events. The next few months will be challenging for all of us with the holidays. Nobody knows better then yourself about your situation and the precautions you feel you need to take to keep you and your family safe.
The Village Hall will still be open for business as of this writing. The Village Board has been given legal authority to have trustees call-in to meetings to limit the amount of people in attendance. If an agenda is light, the meeting will be postponed.
To limit the exposure to our employees, if you have a question, please call. If you need to go to the village hall or police department, please make sure you are healthy and not running a temperature. We will work with you any way possible to protect you and our employees during this crisis.
Mark Eisenberg
Village President
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Holiday Drive-thru and Letters to Santa |
In lieu of the annual Tree Lighting Festival, we will be hosting a Holiday Drive-thru and Letters to Santa on Saturday, December 5 at Horse Fair Park! Bring your letters for Santa's elves to place in the mailbox, then wave to Santa who will be sitting at a distance in the pavilion. Free event. Choose a Santa letter here, here or here, or make your own! (Vehicles only please, no walk-ups.)
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12th Anniversary Week Celebration |
Nature's Feed is celebrating their 12th anniversary week from November 16 - Sunday, November 22! Follow them on Facebook or stop in the store this week and check out their sales! They will be offering daily and weekly deals! Make a purchase this week and receive a free gift. You can also enter to win some awesome raffles! Be sure to bring all your furry kids; they'll have treats for them as well! Located at 2440 Westward Drive.
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ComEd Residential & Small Business Assistance |
ComEd this week announced a new Helping Hand program to provide more immediate aid to eligible residential customers most in need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and a new bill-assistance program to help eligible small businesses facing financial difficulties.
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Richmond/Spring Grove Community Food Pantry |
Please consider helping the Richmond/Spring Grove Food Pantry complete their Thanksgiving Day baskets. A $25 donation will help a single person, $50 for a couple and $100 for a family. Donations can be sent to Richmond/Spring Grove Food Pantry at P.O. Box 78, Richmond, IL 60071. As always, you can also drop food at the Spring Grove Municipal Center at 7401 Meyer Road. They have met their goals for turkeys this year.
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Last Week for the Tailgate 4 Education Raffle! |
This year, instead of a dinner and a live and silent auction to raise funds for Richmond Grade School, the RGS PTO will be holding a 13-day raffle with amazing prizes to give away. Each prize is valued at over $200 with the grand prize being $2,020 in cash! Raffle drawing started this week, with the Grand Prize drawing being held on November 22. View information on all of the sponsors and prize details here!
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Photo of the Week
Brad Mace had the perfect view for this rainbow from his backyard in Oak Valley Estates. If you have a photo of Spring Grove you would like to share, email it here.
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Treasurer Position Available |
The village is seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Village Treasurer. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or closely related field desired but not a requirement, or a minimum of two years of experience in an accounting position, preferably governmental accounting. View more position details here.
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The Jake Vinyard Foundation Operation Feed 33 will be providing meals to those in need this Christmas. Donations are accepted from November 2 - December 12. View donation suggestions and drop off locations here. Check Facebook for more details and visit jakevinyardfoundation.com.
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Vehicle Sticker Citations |
The 2020-2021 vehicle sticker fee has now doubled to $40 per vehicle. Additionally, officers are writing citations for those who have yet to purchase stickers for their vehicles. You may purchase stickers in person or online here. New residents have 30 days from the time they move in to purchase stickers.
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Salon Jevee wishes everyone a safe and healthy Thanksgiving! Don't forget to book your appointments now for the holidays! View more information here. Salon Jevee is located at 2207 Route 12 in the Spruce Point shopping center.
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With COVID-19 spread now in every region of the state and positivity rates at record highs, all 11 regions will move into Tier 3 effective this Friday, November 20 . View the new mitigation requirements.
Driver's License facilities will be closed from November 17 until December 7 due to the pandemic worsening. Driver's Licenses and ID card expirations will be extended until June 1, 2021. View more here.
Keep practicing the 3 Ws: Watch your distance, wear a mask properly (covering your mouth AND nose) and wash your hands frequently.
A map and information of the status of every Illinois county can be found on the IDPH website here. View a map of the United States and other countries to view potential risks associated with traveling. Areas with increased risk of COVID-19 are based on case rates.
If you have health questions about COVID-19, call the hotline at 800-889-3931 or email questions here.
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Blast from the Past - The Hironimus Gang |
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Weber & Lay Store at 1928 Main Street |
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Exterior view and interior view of John Lay's butcher shop at 8004 Blivin Street |
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On July 24, 1933, in the early morning hours, two men in a big car parked in downtown Spring Grove. A resident witnessed the men milling about but thought nothing of it. But they were sure surprised to hear later that day that the men burglarized the general store at 1928 Main Street! Included in the cache were 4,000 cigarettes, silk hose, silk dresses and woman hats. Just a few years earlier, the same store had been part of a crime spree perpetuated by "The Hironimus Green Car Gang".
In early August, 1930, two strangers entered the Weber & Lay store apparently to purchase a pack of cigarettes. The 15-year-old clerk, Lois Esh, was the only one there. The men pointed a gun at her and told her to open the register, getting away with $14. John Lay, the village butcher, was held up a few months earlier at 8004 Blivin. That time three young men stole that day's receipts and then locked John in the "cooling room".
The gang terrorized "the countryside" that summer. Weekly visits to McHenry County had people in a nervous state of mind. Finally, on August 8, 1930 the leader of the "notorious holdup gang" was apprehended. 52-year-old Joe Hironimus was the leader of the 11 member gang, which included nine men (four of which were his own sons) and two woman. They were involved in 17 robberies and holdups in McHenry County and ten in Lake County. Clerk Lois and Butcher John went to Waukegan to help identify the robbers.
Justice was swift and by September 5, 1930, the last two gang members - 19 & 21 year-old Olle and George Amaan, joined the rest of the gang at the Joliet State Penitentiary with sentences of one year to life.
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