Marengo Weekly: September 13, 2026

Marengo Weekly
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MARENGO, ILLINOIS
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 ISSUE NO. 14
THIS WEEK'S ISSUE IS SUPPORTED BY
Sunstone Glow and Wellness
Tanning, red light therapy and recovery, now open on Grant Highway
Paid placement. Sponsors have no say in what we cover.

Three stories this week. We got Marengo's new police chief on the record about his first months in the job, asked the park district for the paperwork behind the new walking path at Indian Oaks, and looked at what happened when the police department ran two officers short for a year.

THIS WEEK'S STORIES
TOP STORY
GOVERNMENT · SEPTEMBER 11
Andrew Kjellgren has spent 20 years with the Marengo Police Department and became its chief this summer. In written answers, the new chief talks about what has changed over two decades, hiring, growth near I-90, and what the department needs from residents.
 
PARK DISTRICT
PARK DISTRICT · SEPTEMBER 10
The Marengo Park District spent $78,500 building a new walking path at Indian Oaks Park. Asked for the contract, the plans, the board vote and any competing price, it answered the same four words six times over. Its own purchasing policy puts anything over $10,000 with the board, and three of the seven invoices clear that on their own.
 
GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT · SEPTEMBER 8
For a full fiscal year the Marengo Police Department worked with twelve sworn officers instead of the fourteen it is built for. The payroll fell 8.1 percent while the union contract paid a 3.5 percent raise every year. But overtime rose $87,083 over the same span, eating just over 80 percent of the salary savings, and the department's total budget fell 2 percent. The shifts still had to be covered, and sergeants covered them.
Events This Week
What's happening around Marengo
13
SUN
Celebracion
Join us as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library! Enjoy cultural activities, delicious food from Taqueria La Hacienda Los Lopez, and meaningful conversations with members of our community.
 
14
MON
City Council Meeting
Regular Marengo City Council meeting, 7:00 pm at City Hall, 132 E Prairie St. Open to the public.
 
14
MON
Marengo Boys Soccer vs. Johnsburg
Marengo hosts Johnsburg in varsity boys soccer, 4:30 pm at the high school soccer field, 110 Franks Rd.
 
14
MON
Marengo Girls Volleyball vs. Johnsburg
Marengo hosts Johnsburg in varsity girls volleyball, 6:00 pm at the high school main gym, 110 Franks Rd.
 
14
MON
Town Hall with Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar
Campaign town hall with Republican candidates for governor and lieutenant governor Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar, 6:00–8:00 pm at Wholesome Petz, 101 N State St. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Free admission. Questions for the town hall may be submitted to volunteer@baileyforillinois.com.
 
14
MON
Art Lab
Mondays are for makers! Come learn about a topic and create a masterpiece with us! This month: Beaded Snails Slow down and get creative! Using colorful beads, you'll craft an adorable snail that's full of personality. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
15
TUE
Preschool Storytime
Preschool Storytime is the perfect place for little learners to enjoy stories, songs, and activities that build early literacy skills while having fun with friends. Caregivers are encouraged to join in on the fun! Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
15
TUE
Chair Yoga
Join us for a relaxing session of Chair Yoga, a gentle form of yoga done while seated or using a chair for support. Perfect for all fitness levels, this class focuses on stretching, breathing, and improving flexibility, no floor work required! Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
15
TUE
Cards and Tiles
Join us for Mahjong and maybe even a game of Pinochle! Beginners are always welcome. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
16
WED
Park District Flea Market
Monthly flea market hosted by the Marengo Park District at the Venue. 6–8 PM — local vendors, crafts, and finds.
 
16
WED
Creative Tykes
Creative Tykes is a monthly program for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
16
WED
Friends of the Library Meeting
Hosted at the Marengo-Union Library District.
 
17
THU
Toddler Storytime
Toddler Storytime encourages a love of reading through age-appropriate stories, music, and movement. Perfect for toddlers and their caregivers to enjoy together. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
17
THU
BMO Harris Presents
This week: Banking Basics
 
17
THU
Roll for Adventure
Join us for an evening of dice, dragons, and daring quests! This Dungeons & Dragons program meets Thursdays from 5-8 PM. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to the game, all are welcome to explore new realms and forge epic stories together. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
17
THU
Teen Advisory Board
Teen Advisory Board- a dynamic group of young minds ready to make a difference. This isn't just volunteering; it's leadership in action. Free; registration required at muld.org.
 
17
THU
Inside the Empire of AI with Karen Hao
Join a timely conversation with Karen Hao, award-winning journalist and author of Inside the Empire of AI.
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