Village of Utica buys old grade school, will house village offices

Illinois River bridge in Utica to be demolished at month’s end

Utica soon will own the vacant Waltham South School (the former Utica Grade School) and use it to house village offices.

“That’s a huge win for the village, I believe.”

—  Village President David Stewart

Thursday, the Utica Village Board voted, 6-0, to approve an agreement with the Waltham School District to purchase the building at 248 Canal St. The village will pay $135,000 plus closing costs with two stipulations: The village keeps the bell, and the school district will retain rights to use the gymnasium, if needed.

“That’s a huge win for the village, I believe,” Village President David Stewart said.

Stewart prepared a statement announcing plans to “utilize the property in several different capacities.”

“Following renovations, the village offices and meeting chambers will be relocated to the new building,” the statement read, “providing us with the opportunity to grow [and] to further continue to serve the needs of our community.”

Stewart said the school gymnasium would be used as a recreation center for indoor sports and social gatherings.

Meanwhile, the police department will stay in the current village hall and “grow into a much-needed larger space.” That is timely, because the police department is coming off an especially busy year.

Police Chief Rodney Damron said the village enjoyed a tourist surge as Starved Rock State Park posted several record months, resulting in more tickets, accidents and incidents. The department generated 956 records, up from about 530 in 2019.

“That put us up about 60% [from 2019],” Damron said. “It’s been a busy year for us.”

Finally, villagers soon will say goodbye to the old Illinois River bridge in Utica.

Thursday, village engineer Kevin Heitz said while a demolition date hasn’t been finalized – that’s up to the Illinois Department of Transportation – he was advised that the contractor has loosely targeted late January for demolition.

The new bridge has been open several months to through traffic, and a few punch-list items remain, including new light poles.

“It’s really going to be nice when it’s done,” Heitz said.

There was no word on who gets to detonate the old bridge, but Stewart, who had openly lobbied to press the button, lamented that it won’t be him.

“I don’t think I got my wish on that,” Stewart said.

In other matters, the Village Board:

• Applauded Utica police officer Wes Pender for assisting Oglesby police in the apprehension of an assailant who shot at police last month.

• Approved a loan from La Salle State Bank to purchase a pickup truck with plow and salt spreader not to exceed $82,000.

• Donated $2,000 to American Legion Utica Post 731 for future programs.

• Held a moment of silence for Jim Easton, an active community member.

Tom Collins

Tom Collins

Tom Collins covers criminal justice in La Salle County.