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Scales Mound OKs trick or treating: Event will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 31

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SCALES MOUND–The Scales Mound Village Board gave approval for trick-or-treating at its board meeting on Monday, Sept. 28. Trick-or-treating will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5 until 7 p.m.

“It’s OK to do it,” said village clerk Margaret Townsend. “It is not on the advisable list.”

Board member Lyndsi Duerr read a Facebook message from the village of Stockton on their trick-or-treating that addressed those uncomfortable with having trick-or-treaters and encouraged those people to leave their light off during that time and trick-or-treaters must respect that.

The board agreed to advise citizens that those uncomfortable should leave their exterior light off during that time period and everyone in town should respect that decision.

 

Low-interest loan

The village board also agreed to offer Matt and Melissa Dittmar a $75,000 loan with a 1-percent interest rate that would be taken from the village’s economic development fund.

The board will give Dittmars the option on the length of the loan between five, seven and 10 years. The Dittmars asked the board at the last meeting if they could use TIF money to purchase Pat’s Country Store.

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The board thought a low-interest loan would be the best option.

Duerr said she would present the offer to Dittmars.

 

Animal control

The village once again received a letter from animal control requesting municipalities in Jo Daviess County pay $900 per year for animal control services.

“We haven’t done it in the past,” said village president Jim Davis.

Davis has been a vocal critic of the animal control requesting funds from municipalities as he feels municipal residents are required to pay more through this measure than other taxpayers in the county.

“I don’t get it,” said Davis. “Why do taxpayers in town have to pay more? How much do they charge Scales Mound Township or anyone else? They are already funded with tax money, so our taxpayers are paying as much as every other taxpayer. We really haven’t needed them. Around here, most people know whose dog is whose.”