Proud moment: Cale Bastien, son of Randee & late Blaine Bastien, newest police officer

Cale Bastien, son of Randee (Heape) Bastien and the late Blaine Bastien, Du Quoin city administrator, has been hired by the City of Du Quoin as the police department's newest officer.

His father would have been proud as a history of public service continues in the Bastien family. It began with his grandfather, the Honorable Judge Robert Bastien. The announcement came following a brief executive session where the appointment was discussed.

The recommendation came from the Du Quoin Police Merit Board and the appointment was unanimously approved.

A 2009 graduate of the Du Quoin High School where he played baseball and football, Cale went on to study law enforcement. He is one of three Bastien sons: Reid Bastien and wife Katie, Health Bastien and Cale Bastien, all of Du Quoin.

Father Blaine Bastien served as city clerk and administrator until his untimely death on July 30, 2012 at the age of 55.

Cale fills a vacancy in the police department that was the result of former Chief of Police Mike Ward's retirement and the appointment of assistant Chief Jamie Ellermeyer to the position as chief.

The appointment brings the department back to a level of 11 sworn full-time officers, including the chief.

The council Monday also approved a five-year revolving loan agreement for $20,000 with the Grand Theater Partnership and Richard Baker to install digital projection equipment on two of the three screens in the historic theater.

The loan will be part of a $70,000 technology upgrade at the theater.

One theater will continue to support traditional film for the classics and movies that are still readily available on film.

The council also discussed a proposed donation of property at 115 N. Division St., to the city, but did not act on the agreement. Wells Fargo Financial is gifting the derelict property and $10,000 cash to the city with no strings attached. The council had issues with getting clear title to the property. Wells Fargo is offering only a quit claim deed. The council also questions whether real estate taxes on the property have been paid.

The council approved the Du Quoin State Fair parade permit request

The council approved a survey of the old Belt Tech property (Southern Illinois Petrol) property. The property is being divided into two parcels of two acres with a building on it and the remaining 11 acres behind it.

The council appointed Josh Williams to the Pinckneyville/Du Quoin Airport Board, thanking both Williams and member Steve Moss of Du Quoin for their service.

The council appointed Ted Harsha to the Police Pension Board for a two year term

The council approved Leanna Leek as a full voting member of the Historical Preservation Commission and Robert Morefield as an honorary member.