Village officials are responding to recent complaints about waste and recycling pickup by Lakeshore Recycling Services (LRS), which handles rural municipal waste for the area.
Mayor John Connor said some residents have reported missed pickups and poor communication from LRS. “People aren’t getting their trash picked up, and they don’t have answers,” Connor said. “I contacted LRS and asked them to improve communication so we can keep residents informed.”
Connor said LRS promised to investigate the issues and follow up with the village this week. “Our focus is to work with LRS to provide reliable service,” he added.
Separately, the Western Illinois University Geographic Information System (GIS) Center, led by Chad Sperry, continues to update its detailed map of the Good Hope Cemetery, originally created in 2016. The online system helps residents locate gravesites and family members. “It’s been a great project, and WIU has requested updated information to keep the map current,” Connor said.
On public safety, Good Hope pays the McDonough County Sheriff’s Department $450 monthly for 20 extra hours of police coverage. With a population of about 400, the village cannot support its own police force. Connor said the additional patrol hours provide residents with “peace of mind” and that the sheriff’s coverage has been “excellent” over the years.
This month, the village asked the sheriff’s department to change its billing format to improve accounting and communication.
Finally, trustees approved renewing a contract with Bushnell- based TEST, Inc. for water testing services. The contract calls for monthly payments of $500 in 2025, rising to $525 in 2026 and $550 in 2027.
