Anders retires from Du Quoin Street Department

DU QUOIN - Du Quoin City Commissioner Chuck Genesio heaped praise upon retiring Street Department worker Rocky Anders at Monday's City Council meeting, saying Anders "is a good worker and even better human."

Genesio added, "We're going to try to get him to come back on a part-time basis if he'll do it."

Fellow Commissioners Michael Ward and Bob Karnes felt similarly as did Mayor Guy Alongi.

"I don't know if there is a person in all of Du Quoin who doesn't like Rocky," Alongi said. "He has busted his butt for the city and is a very popular guy. He will be dearly missed. We are hopeful, that after some time away, he will consider coming back on a part-time basis."

Anders worked 15 years for the city in all and was presented with a watch at a retirement ceremony last week.

In other news, the city got a positive review in an audit conducted by Harold Emling with Emling & Hoffman, who reviewed city finances for the last fiscal year.

"The books are excellent shape," Emling told the council. "That certainly makes our job easier."

Alongi pointed out that City Clerk Andrew Croessman deserves most of the credit for keeping the city's finances in order.

The council approved four resolutions calling for the demolition of homes at 214, 217 and 230 S. Walnut Street.

"There's not going to be anything left on South Walnut," Alongi joked.

A fourth home, located at 343 E. Franklin St., was also approved for demolition.

Additionally, the council agreed to place a 2005 Buick four-door sedan from the police department up for an online auction.

The council also met in closed or "executive" session at the conclusion of the business portion of the meeting to discuss employment of personnel. No action was taken, however.