Dieterich Board Discusses Railroad Crossings

Dieterich village board members heard that applications have been submitted for assistance in obtaining lights and gates for two railroad crossings.

The lights and gates are being sought for Main Street in the heart of downtown, as well as for 2200th Street, just west of the village. Bishop Township has signed onto the project, so the applications have been submitted to Canadian National Railroad and the Illinois Commerce Commission. The Illinois Department of Transportation is also involved in the project.

The decision to add 2200th Street to the application is because of increased use of that crossing. Dieterich Village Clerk Brittny Gipson said residents of Hartke Subdivision, the new residential subdivision west of the Dieterich school complex, are using the crossing to gain access to Illinois Route 33 without coming into the village.

Also this week, the Dieterich board agreed to pro-rate the charge for a license to use non-highway vehicles on village streets. Some residents who purchased a vehicle through the year didn't think they should have to pay the annual $50 fee. The Board decided that any residents who purchased their vehicles since October 1 should only pay $30.

The Board also approved a Christmas Lighting Contest, with details to follow, and also decided to award village employees a gift as a Christmas bonus. That gift could be something to be known as either Dieterich Dollars or Movin Moolah that can be used at Dieterich businesses.

There was also discussion of Dieterich's Small Town Christmas, a celebration planned at the village park on December 8 from 3-7pm. Work is underway on a Santa House in the park at the pavilion and various other seasonal activities are in the works.