In a dramatic turn of events, Dalton Mayor Tiffany Henyard found herself in court on Thursday, grappling with serious allegations surrounding her authority to make appointments within the village.
The courtroom drama unfolded as the mayor faced scrutiny for allegedly violating a temporary restraining order that barred her from appointing key village positions without the necessary approval from the board of trustees.
Among the contentious appointments was Ron Berg Sr., the police chief who previously challenged Henyard in the 2021 mayoral race.
Berg, who has a history as the police chief in nearby Dixmoor, became a focal point of the dispute.
Last month, Judge Thaddeus Wilson issued a restraining order emphasizing that Henyard must secure trustee consent before filling such roles, a directive she has reportedly flouted.
During the hearing, Judge Wilson warned Henyard that failure to comply could lead to contempt of court charges.
However, despite the gravity of the situation, he chose not to impose those charges at this time.
The ongoing dysfunction within Dalton, Illinois, has become a spectacle, spilling over into the courtroom as trustees accused Henyard of undermining village operations.
Following the judge’s orders, Henyard was prohibited from appointing a new village administrator, attorney, or police chief.
The legal framework clearly dictates that these appointments require the approval of the trustees, a protocol Henyard seems to have disregarded.
This has raised eyebrows and intensified tensions among village officials.
Adding to the chaos, Henyard and her boyfriend are currently facing an eviction notice, which underscores the personal challenges she is navigating alongside her political battles.
The courtroom confrontation escalated when trustees opposing Henyard alleged she had instructed a vendor to restrict Keith Freeman, her former top advisor, from accessing vital software used for village operations.
Freeman, who had previously cooperated with Henyard’s rivals, found himself in a precarious position after Henyard attempted to terminate his employment.
The trustees also claimed that the new police chief, appointed by Henyard, has refused to relinquish his badge, uniform, and keys to the police station, despite being barred from doing so by the court.
The trustees further alleged that Henyard’s supporters have obstructed their attempts to change the locks on village buildings, aiming to prevent laid-off employees from entering.
This ongoing power struggle has left many residents concerned about the state of governance in Dalton.
After the hearing, the Illinois Township trustees expressed their desire for an audit due to rising concerns about financial management within the village.
While the judge refrained from holding Henyard in contempt, he issued a stern warning, declaring, “I don’t have a problem enforcing my decisions.” This statement served as a cautionary message to all parties involved.
In response to the allegations, Solomon, a representative for Henyard, characterized the claims made by the trustees as “false and dramatic,” insisting they only serve to harm the community.
He defended the mayor, asserting that Henyard has been a victim of divisive politics and the adverse effects of poor communication and collaboration among village officials.