Rockton Police officer promoted to Sergeant, Village board votes on use of specific weapons

By Marianne Mueller

Reporter

Rockton Police Officer Micheal Johnson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant at the Village Administration meeting on Monday, Feb. 6. Sergeant Johnson started with the Rockton Police Department seven years ago. During his tenure he has been a patrol officer, with special duties such as being a Field Training Officer and Acting Shift Commander; he has also worked as a Firearms Instructor.

On Tuesday evening, Feb. 7 the Rockton Village Board of Trustees voted to approve an ordinance, amending Chapter 137, (weapons) of the Village Code of  Ordinances  regarding air  rifles, blow or dart guns, paintball guns; marker, bows and arrows and slingshots. Village President John Peterson explained the reasons behind the board taking action on this ordinance. “This particular ordinance fell out of the ordinance book and we are just reinstating it, “Peterson said.

Village Attorney Aaron Szeto said, “This was debated as a state statute and is reported under code work.

Trustee Justin York said, “What this ordinance is basically saying is that anyone under the age of 18 shouldn’t own a BB Gun or any of these weapons.”

Approval was given of a purchase requisition to allow “120 Water” to perform professional services, by using 3M Lead kits and to do postcard mailings at a cost of $12,270. Trustee Jodi May explained, “This is to send letters to residents to let them know details about testing water.”

Trustee York gave the Rockton Police Activity Summary covering the dates of Jan. 16-31. A total of 33 tickets and 37 warnings were issued; equaling 70 traffic stops. Twenty snow parking tickets were given. Eight criminal arrests were made. Five accidents happened, two resulting in injuries.

Though no information on specific plans have been shared yet about plans for the former Paperchine site that once existed on Prairie Hill Road, President Peterson said at the board meeting, “We have been working on the Paperchine site. Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson is assuring hook up of water and fire suppression.”

Peterson added, “This has been approved by the County and it is good that we are already in the preparation stages.”

Paperchine served the paper industry since the year 2000. The company who offered employment opportunities to many provided stock piping, customized design, mentoring and customer support services. A range of forming equipment reels and threading systems were found in the business. Additionally provided at Paperchine was a range of nip shoes, transfer cases, coater lips, plus differential and hypoid drives. After years of mergers, and new ownership eventually the business closed. The former location sat at 1155 Prairie Hill in Rockton.