New Rockton Village Trustees sworn in, appointments and assignments given

As the Rockton Village Board said goodbye to former trustees, new officials were sworn in during the Tuesday evening meeting on May 6, 2025.

Before the formalities began, Village President John Peterson presented outgoing trustees Arianne Honkamp and Scott Danielson with Downtown Rockton bags filled with useful and fun items, along with a note of thanks.

Trustee Honkamp served two terms, totaling eight years. Trustee Danielson served one four-year term.

“I have learned a lot about the work, the structure, and the people. It has been very interesting. I’m sure I’m going to miss this,” Honkamp said.

Danielson said, “There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that is done. John has done a great job, and we have a lot of projects that we have done and that the board is still in the process of doing. It has been fun.”

Village Clerk Christina Stewart introduced Deputy Clerk Jessica Carter, who swore in Stewart as the re-elected clerk. Stewart ran unopposed.

Stewart was initially appointed in 2014 and ran in April 2015 for an unexpired two-year term to finish the term of the previous village clerk. She was re-elected in 2017, 2021, and now again in 2025.

Stewart then swore in Village President John Peterson. He is now serving his second term as village president. Peterson previously served as a trustee beginning in 2009 and was first sworn in as village president on May 4, 2021. He also ran unopposed in this election.

Newly elected trustees David Bennington, Sarah Doerflinger, and Jamin Unger took the oath and were sworn in by Stewart. Each is beginning their first four-year term.

Before being elected, Unger served as Vice Chair of the Village of Rockton Planning Commission. He was elected as trustee on his second run.

Justin York was appointed to fill the remainder of former Trustee Jodi May’s unexpired two-year term. York began serving in 2021 and has now completed one full term.

At the April 15 meeting, Peterson announced that May had resigned due to moving out of the area. Trustee May was serving her third term.

Before her time as trustee, May served on the Village of Rockton Zoning Board of Appeals and the Rockton River Market committee. She chaired the Buildings and Parks, Sewer Water and Garbage committees and also worked on the Public Works Committee. She was also the founder and owner of Sugar Britches.

Bennington, Doerflinger, Unger, and York will now serve alongside Trustees Dan Baumgartner and Dave Winters.

Peterson announced the new committee chairs and assignments:

• Trustee Winters will remain on Public Safety and Legal. He is now the chair of Budget and Finance, working with Trustees Baumgartner and York.
• Trustee York will serve as Administration Chair. Trustee Doerflinger will oversee Community Development.
• In the Public Works committee, Trustee Baumgartner will chair Buildings and Parks. Trustee Bennington will lead Streets and Walks, and Trustee Unger will head Water, Sewer and Garbage.

“I have been on for two years and this is a great group of people to work with,” Trustee Baumgartner said to the new Trustees. “As Arianne said, I have learned a lot. You’re not going to know everything. I still don’t.”

Matt Hollinger was reappointed as Rockton Police Chief. He took over the role on June 7, 2022, after the retirement of former Chief Steve Dickson.

Aaron Szeto will continue serving as Village Attorney after his reappointment. Szeto welcomed the new trustees, saying, “I look forward to working with all of you.” He has served as the village attorney since 2013.

Sally Bennett was reappointed as Village Treasurer. She has held the role since January 2024.

C.E.S. will continue serving as Village Engineer.

Spencer Cushing, who ran for a trustee seat but lost the bid for the position, has been appointed to the Village Zoning Board of Appeals. He will serve a five-year term.

In a separate meeting, Peterson read a World Migratory Day proclamation in conjunction with Rockton Pelican Fest, which drew crowds on Saturday, May 17. He introduced the proclamation with a playful series of bird sounds.

Trustee Winters shared the Rockton Police Department activity summary for April 15 through 30. He reported 102 traffic tickets, 137 warnings, 15 ordinance violations, 22 criminal arrests, and seven traffic accidents, two involving injuries.

The Rockton River Market received approval to return on Wednesday nights from May 21 through August 28.

The board also approved the use of IDOT Rebuild Illinois Funds for a resurfacing project on Bristlewood Court at a cost of $12,000.

The village entered into a lease agreement with Cooper Olafson Land Development, LLC for the property at 122 E. Main Street in Rockton, formerly the home of American Family Insurance.

Both meetings concluded with a celebration in honor of the newly elected, re-elected, and reappointed officials. Cake and beverages were enjoyed by all, along with lively conversation.