•June 11, 2025•

by DM Williamee

On Monday, the Village of Lovington held its regular Board Meeting. Guests in attendance were Eric Shangraw of GFI, Linda Patrick, a resident, and Roger Nuxoll of Farnsworth Group. 

With respect to the visitor and public comments section, Linda Patrick was very vocal on numerous points. Her first concern was not being able to reach the Village during regular business hours, and there being no signs posted on the door as to whom to speak with if needed. She had a water leak and called the police, but had to leave a message. She finally called Don Jackson, who was able to stop the leak, and then she called a plumber to repair the issue. Mrs. Patrick is very concerned that the Village appears to have no contingency plan in cases such as this. The Board advised that the Village pays for Dennis and Chris’s cell phones, so they should be reachable as needed after hours and in case of emergency, but also stressed the importance of contacting the County Sheriff’s office.

Mrs. Patrick next spoke about there being a lack of police coverage in Lovington, and not feeling safe, mentioning how many single, older widows live in Lovington and feel unsafe as well. She has had people banging on the side of her house in the middle of the night and scaring her, and she, as well as other neighbors, have begun leaving lights on at night to feel safe. She posited the question: Is there no budget for police, or some other problem? She has never seen a patrol car drive by her residence. The Board responded that there is a budget, they have hired officers, but no one wants to work. In the interim, the Board advised that calling 911 is the appropriate procedure at this time.