To sell or not to sell alcohol? A deeper dive into the question some Edgar Co. voters will see on their ballots

KANSAS, Ill. (WCIA) — This November, the village of Kansas is putting a question on the ballot regarding alcohol sales.

“Does the village want to continue to prohibit the sale of alcohol?” Yes or no?

Question for Kansas residents on November’s ballot

Right now, it’s a dry community meaning no alcohol is sold in Kansas. Valerie Staggs, the village clerk, said it has been this way for many years. She wants people to vote “no” to the question and start selling alcohol in the city limits.

Some feel the same way as Staggs, while others want to keep Kansas an alcohol-free village.

Staggs said the money could help “keep the town alive.” The board would put it toward projects such as revamping downtown storefronts, bringing in new businesses and expanding the police department.

Ross Carrell, the village president, agrees and feels this potential profit is important to the community.

“We could look at knocking down some dilapidated properties, we could look at putting in sidewalks, we can do lots of things with the money,” he said. “Right now, we’re kind of cash-strapped because we’ve been rebuilding our water plant and maintaining everything with local infrastructure. It would be a big boost.”

If passed, the board would then pass an ordinance and start the process to get liquor licenses. If it’s not passed, Carrell said they will continue applying for grants to keep the town alive.

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