Aledo residents have been eagerly awaiting the completion of a key downtown improvement project, and now there’s an official date to mark on the calendar. During a recent edition of Mayor on the Air, Mayor Chris Hagloch confirmed that the city’s new parking lot is set for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 24th. The long-awaited project, which has sparked curiosity among locals, is nearing completion, with only a few finishing touches remaining.
“We’re actually waiting for some decorative poles that are supposed to be here around the second week of April,” Mayor Hagloch said. “Once those are installed, we can get our decorative lighting in the plaza, and then we’ll be ready to go.”
The city plans to celebrate the occasion with a formal ribbon-cutting event.
Meanwhile, another major development in the community was highlighted during the program—an increase in activity by Frontier Communications and Viola Telephone. These companies are actively installing fiber optic lines throughout Aledo, with Public Works crews assisting by marking underground utilities. Residents may notice more frequent utility work in their yards as part of this effort to improve local broadband access.
The broadcast also featured a special guest: Officer Jade Ford, a recently appointed Aledo police officer who previously worked in Rock Island. Officer Ford has brought a new youth outreach program to Mercer County called Trust the Process Teen Group. The initiative, which started during her time in Rock Island, provides a safe space for at-risk youth—primarily young women—to discuss their challenges and receive mentorship.
The program began when Officer Ford noticed a young girl repeatedly encountering issues with law enforcement. Instead of letting the cycle continue, she invited the girl to the police station for a casual conversation. “I told her, ‘Come in, we’ll have a cold drink and just talk’,” Ford explained. That conversation turned into a regular meeting, with more teens joining over time.
“I wanted to make sure these kids had somewhere to go, someone to talk to,” she said. “It’s helping me as a police officer understand them better, too.”
Mayor Hagloch praised Officer Ford’s efforts, calling the program an asset to the community. “We’re proud to have her here, and we hope this continues to grow,” he said.
The program is already making an impact, with participants bonding over discussions and activities. Officer Ford has personally funded many of the group’s outings and snacks, but the city hopes the community will step in with donations to support the program. She also plans to create Trust the Process t-shirts for participants and volunteers, with some of the youth possibly appearing at this year’s Rhubarb Fest.