Burning Rubber in Beecher

By Jeff Vorva

Burnouts in Beecher?

That looks like that could be a thing.

The Beecher Lions Club is hosting a car show on Gould Street on June 24 and representatives came to ask the Beecher Village Board on May 8 for its blessing to have a designated area in which patrons can pay to do burnouts in a vehicle.

Because it wasn’t an agenda item, the board did not vote on it. There were some concerns about hosting it from board members but no objections. An unofficial green light was given to the Lions Club to proceed.

Beecher Police Chief Terrence Lemming gave his endorsement of the burnouts after talking with nearby Grant Park Police Chief Carl Grey.

“Grant Park has been doing it for eight years, and it’s not drag racing,” Lemming said. “It’s one vehicle, and what they do in those burnouts is spin, and a lot of times they don’t even move when they are doing it.

“There’s a lot of smoke, and it’s pretty exciting. It’s really cool. Hundreds and hundreds of people come to town for that. It’s so popular.”

Lemming said patrons must sign a waiver, and there will be barricades. He said the village’s boardwalk area would be perfect for the event. He emphasized again it is not drag racing.

“I think maybe that’s a misconception that it’s drag racing, but it’s not,” he said. “It’s a really good community event.”

Changes

Jonathan Kypuros attended his final meeting as a trustee as he retired after three terms.

“It’s with mixed emotions that I sit before you today to bid farewell as your village trustee,” he said. “It’s been an honor and privilege to serve this community during the past 12 years. I’m grateful for the trust and support you have placed in me.

“During my time as trustee, we have accomplished a great deal together. We worked to improve our infrastructure, expand our community programs, and enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls this village home.”

Kypuros added the members of the community deserve credit in the progress from the past dozen years.

“I’m proud of what we have achieved, and I believe our successes are a testament to the strength and resilience of this community,” he said.

His spot on the board was taken by Erik Gardner, who along with Ron Mazurek, Joe Gianotti, and Ben Juzeszyn, were sworn in at the meeting.

 Mayor Marcy Meyer also named committee chairs for the coming four years.

Todd Kraus will head up finance and administration. Juzeszyn will lead economic development and community relations. Joe Tieri chairs public safety. Roger Stacey leads public works. Gianotti heads buildings and properties, plus parks and recreation, while Gardner will handle planning building and zoning.  

Beecher bits

•The annual kids bike rodeo will take place at 9 a.m. July 1.

•The Penfield Street bridge will be closed starting June 5. The bridge is being replaced. 

•Children’s Plus, 1887 Dutch American Way, was granted a request for temporary use – approximately 30 days – for a tent for storage and assembly of textbooks.