East Central Reporter

The Ford County Chronicle has lodged a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General's Office, claiming that Loda Village Clerk Regina Ptacek violated the Open Meetings Act. The incident in question occurred during the village board meeting on December 11, where Ptacek reportedly instructed both trustees and attendees to turn off and put away all electronic devices, including phones and audio-recording equipment.

The Open Meetings Act permits any individual to record meetings using tape, film, or other means. Government bodies can set reasonable rules for such recordings. However, Will Brumleve, publisher of the Ford County Chronicle, alleges that Ptacek's directive contravened this law by instructing all present to disable their devices and remove them from view.

Village Trustee Sandy Coffey noted that about 15 members of the public followed these instructions. Coffey herself did not comply and continued recording with an audio device. Village Attorney Dale Strough was at the meeting but did not comment on Ptacek's instructions and has yet to respond to inquiries.

Ptacek explained that she acted under directives from other village officials and cited village ordinance and Robert’s Rules of Order as her basis for doing so.