Dolton News
At the Village of Dolton we want to keep you up-to-date with what is happening in Village Hall and in our overall community. Please see below for the latest in Dolton News.
Date: 02/21/12
Notice of Village Board Meeting Feb 21st **REVISED AGENDA**
On Tuesday, February 21st, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full REVISED agenda here.
Date: 02/17/12
Notice of Village Board Meeting Feb 21st
On Tuesday, February 21st, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 02/07/12
Dolton West to Host Parent Advisory Meeting Feb 16th
Date: 02/07/12
Dolton's KGBC to Host Fight Night
Date: 02/03/12
Notice of Village Board Meeting Feb 6th
On Monday, February 6th, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 01/31/12
Village Begins Comprehensive Plan: Next Meeting Feb. 13th
The Village of Dolton is continuing the process of creating a comprehensive plan to guide 
future development and redevelopment of the entire community, and
they are waiting for your input.
A web-based community survey has been posted here. The survey will help the Village to identify critical issues that are of most concern to you. The planning commission has already held its first meeting with community residents (Jan. 18th) where they discussed everything from building new retail stores to improving infrastructure.
The next meeting takes place on Monday, February 13th, at 6:30 in Village Hall. See more information below.
Planning Commission Website
Full Presentation
Comprehensive Plan Timeline
Date: 01/31/12
Dolton to Explore Electrical Aggregation: You're Invited!
Date: 01/17/12
Dolton Park District Presents Dolton Riverdale Little League
Date: 01/13/12
Dolton Mayor and PD Announce New Citizen Police Academy
Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis and Dolton's Chief of Police, Bolden Jones, recently announced the launch of Dolton’s very first Citizen Police Academy.
Classes begin on March 21, 2012. Classes will be held at Dolton Village Hall each Wednesday from 6:30- 8:00 p.m. The Citizens’ Police Academy Class is open to all Village of Dolton residents. Each attendee must submit an application to the Dolton Police Department. To print an application, please click here. Applications are also available at the Dolton Police Department. All applications must be returned to the Dolton PD no later than Saturday, February 18th, 2011.
Academy classes are expected to teach Dolton residents about the duties, responsibilities and procedures of the Dolton Police Department. The classes will serve as an educational and informative program that allows citizens the opportunity to learn about the issues that affect law enforcement efforts in the Village, and how to develop a partnership with the police department. For more information, please contact Officer Debbie Leinweber or Captain Dubish at 708-849-2151.
Date: 01/13/12
Notice of Village Board Meeting Jan 17th
On Tuesday, January 17th, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 01/12/12
Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr., Mayor Lewis, and Fellow Thornton Township Mayors to Host Property Tax Appeal Forums
Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr., of the Cook County Board of Review, Dolton Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis, and other Thornton Township Mayors will hold two free property tax appeal community outreach forums in the coming weeks. The forums are specifically designed for the residents of Thornton Township.
These forums will consist of a presentation which addresses the function of the Cook County Board of Review, issues surrounding property tax assessed valuations, and the importance of filing a property tax assessment appeal. After the presentation, there will be a question and answer period. Then, Board of Review staff will assist attendees with filling out assessed valuation appeal forms. Taxpayers are urged to please bring their tax bill to the events.
Please Save the Date:
Jan. 17th at 7pm – 1st Pentacostal Missionary Bapt. Church – 14559 Green St., Harvey, IL.
Jan. 19th at 7pm– George Patton Elementary School –13700 S. Stewart Ave, Riverdale, IL.
To learn more, please click here.
Date: 01/06/12
Comprehensive Plan Meeting Wednesday, Jan. 18th Community Survey Online Now
Entering into the new year, the Village of Dolton is in the process of creating a comprehensive plan to guide future development and redevelopment of the entire community with the help of local residents.
Community members have been asked to participate in the a
web-based community survey. The survey will help the
Village identify critical issues that are of most concern to
residents.
To take that survey click here. On Wednesday, January 18th at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall, Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis and Village Trustees will host an open meeting with the Plan Commission in order to further engage local residents. For more information, please click here.
Date: 01/06/12
Village of Dolton Asked to Become a Part of the Abraham Lincoln National Airport Commission
On Tuesday, January 3rd Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.
attended the Village of Dolton regularly scheduled board meeting
to speak with trustees and residents about his proposal
to build a third airport in the Chicagoland area.
The Congressman was scheduled to appear at a Village Board Meeting in December, but cancelled after being called to Congress.
During the January 3rd meeting, Jackson explained how the new Abraham Lincoln National Airport would create jobs and lead to major economic 
development for the 2nd District. Jackson says the airport would create one thousand construction jobs. Upon opening, the airport is expected to generate fifteen thousand permanent jobs. Jackson asked the Village of Dolton to sign on to the plan by becoming a part of the Abraham Lincoln National Airport Commission. The commission consists of 21 municipalities-- all advocating for the airport to be built.
Dolton would be one of the last south suburban communities to sign on to the plan. To learn more about the Abraham Lincoln National Airport proposal, please click here.
Date: 01/06/12
Notice: New Law Bans Improper Disposal of Electronics
An Illinois law took effect on the first of January banning electronics from landfills. This includes TV's, computers, cell phones, and electronic equipment of any kind.
The ban is a result of a new law authored and guided through the Illinois General Assembly by state Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest). In all, more than 30 items including televisions, monitors, computers, faxmachines, VCRs, scanners and printers can no longer be deposited with regular trash.
The list of electronic items joins other items banned from landfill disposal in Illinois including: lead-acid batteries, landscape waste, tires, white goods, and motor oil. To learn more about the new electronic disposal ban, please click here.
Date: 01/03/12
Notice of Village Board Meeting Jan 3rd
On Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 12/19/11
Notice of Village Board Meeting Dec 5th
On Monday, December 19th, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 12/06/11
Help Support Dolton Families in Need: Join the Dolton Youth Commission Toy Drive
click below for full flyer...
Date: 12/03/11
Notice of Village Board Meeting Dec 5th
On Monday, December 5th, 2011, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 12/02/11
The Village of Dolton Requests Residents Input in Developing Comprehensive Plan to Shape the Future
The Village of Dolton is in the process of creating a comprehensive plan to guide future development and redevelopment of the entire community. On January 18th Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis and Village Trustees will host an open meeting with the Plan Commission in order to inform and engage 
local residents.
“Our comprehensive plan will outline the vision of what we hope our community will become
and the steps that we need to take to get there,” said Dolton Mayor Ronnie Lewis. “Our consultant team has created a project website to encourage participation and to keep the community informed during the planning process. In addition, a web-based community survey has been created to help us identify the critical issues that are of most concern to our residents. We hope that residents will become a part of this process. Their input is critical to ensuring that the plan is one that is good for the entire community. Our comprehensive plan must reflect our community’s vision. ”
The comprehensive plan consultant team has created a project website to offer more information and to encourage community. In addition, a web-based community survey has been created to help the Village identify critical issues that are of most concern in Dolton.
Date: 11/21/11
Notice of Village Board Meeting Nov 21st
On Monday, November 21st, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 11/18/11
You've Been Cordially Invited to the Village of Dolton's Annual Chritsmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: 11/15/11
Information Station: Dolton Working to Minimize the Impact of Chicago Water Rate Increases
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proposed a new budget that would raise water rates for Chicago, its surrounding 124 suburbs, and the Village of Dolton. Dolton Village officials are now working on solutions that would improve its current water system and minimize the impact of the water rate increases on Dolton residents.
“We want our residents to be aware that due to Chicago’s newly proposed budget, water rate increases are forthcoming,” said Dolton Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis. “This will have an impact on suburban communities across the state. We are going to do our best to keep down the prices for Dolton residents.”
Under Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s plan water rates will increase by 70 percent over the next four years. The cost of 1,000 gallons of water would rise from $2.01 to $3.82. The 25 percent increase in 2012 will be the largest single-year increase since 1981, bringing the water rate to $2.51.
Mayor Lewis and Village officials have already begun working together to launch initiatives and bring in professionals to help improve the infrastructure and processes for the Village of Dolton’s water department in order to minimize the impact of a possible rate increase.
To learn more about Chicago’s proposed water rate hike, please click here.
To view a full presentation on increases prepared by Water Commissioner Thomas H. Powers, please click here.
Date: 11/07/11
Notice of Village Board Meeting Nov 7th
On Monday, November 7th, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 11/04/11
Help Prevent Flooding! Please Bag the Leaves!
click below to print...
Date: 10/21/11
Happy Halloween! The Dolton Police Department Issues Guidelines for Safe "Trick or Treating"
The Dolton Police Department wishes all children a happy and safe Halloween.Children are to “trick or treat” on Monday, October 31st between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. ONLY.
To insure a safe Halloween, the Dolton Police Department recommends the following:
1. Small children should be accompanied by an adult.
2. Older children should “trick or treat” in a group.
3. Never trick or treat alone.
4. Costumes should be non-flammable and visible in the dark.
5. “Trick or treat” only at houses with the porch light on.
6. Inspect all treats carefully before eating.
7. Any suspicious persons, cars, or treats that appear to have been tampered with should be reported to the police immediately.
8. Use extra caution when driving on Halloween, especially during “trick or treating hours.
Extra patrol will be provided by the Dolton Police, but let us all work together to ensure that Halloween is a fun and safe holiday for all of our community residents.
Date: 10/21/11
Want to be a part of the "new" Girl Scout Experience in Dolton/Riverdale? Find out how-- join them for an Ice Cream Social
You will get info on troops (or starting a troop) in the area, make a sundae, socialize with other girls, play a game, do a craft, enter a raffle.
All Girls Kindergarten to 12th Grade are invited. Don't miss out on the fun - pass the word to your friends, neighbors, classmates. Parent/Guardian of all girls must attend.
When: Saturday, November 12, 2011 from Noon - 2:30
Where: Memorial Building, 151 W. 137th Street, Riverdale
If you would like to attend, please call Carmen Colyer @ 708-658-2326, or send an email to ccolyer@girlscoutsgcnwi.org
--
For more information about Girl Scouting in Dolton, IL and Riverdale, IL go to https://sites.google.com/site/doltonriverdalegirlscouts/home
Date: 10/17/11
Notice of Village Board Meeting Oct 17th
On Monday, October 17th, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 10/11/11
New to Dolton? Don't Forget to Re-Register to Vote
Date: 10/01/11
Notice of Village Board Meeting Oct 3rd
On Monday, October 3rd, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See full agenda here.
Date: 09/19/11
Notice of Village Board Meeting Sept 19th
On Monday, September 19th, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See more.
Date: 09/10/11
Village of Dolton Issues RFP for Dorchester Parking Lot Improvements
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS: The Mayor and Village Board will receive sealed proposals for the following improvements at the Village Clerk's office, 14014 Park Avenue, Dolton, IL 60419, until 11:00 a.m. on Monday September 19, 2011.
DORCHESTER CENTER PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS
Proposals will be publicly read aloud at 11:01 a.m. on Monday September 19, 2011. No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the proposals without the consent of the Mayor and Village Board for a period of forty-five days after the scheduled time of closing bids. See full RFP.
Date: 09/9/11
Dolton Mayor Ronnie Lewis to Appear on CNN as a Comcast Newsmaker Sept 26
Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis has served the Village of Dolton for over 19 years. Since then, he has brought in new businesses, worked toward fiscal health for the Village, and expanded Dolton’s reach across the seas. That’s why he was chosen as a Comcast Newsmaker.
Last month, the Mayor sat down in Comcast studio with Newsmakers’ Host Ellee Pai Hong to discuss Dolton’s state of affairs. The Mayor also discussed Dolton’s sister city program with Ghana in West Africa. Thus far, Dolton has donated over 30 barrels of books to help the country to build a library.
The Mayor's segment will air on CNN Headline News at 24 and 54 minutes past the hour beginning Monday 9/26/2011. The program will run through Sunday. Residents may check their local guide for channel listings. The interview will also air on Dolton's Public Access Channel.
Date: 09/02/11
Notice of Village Board Meeting Sept 6th
On Tuesday, September 6th, at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Ronnie Lewis and the Board of Trustees will hold their bi-monthly board meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room. See more.
Date: 08/16/11
The Village of Dolton Joins Information Super-Highway: We're Now on Twitter!
In an effort to improve and increase communications across all avenues of media, the Village of Dolton has established their own twitter account, @VODolton.
Officials say the account will be used to keep residents and Dolton stakeholders up-to-date with all of the latest happenings in the Village, Village Board Meetings, and news that may impact the local community. Dolton has already worked to add an active news section to its website. The Village also plans to begin a monthly broadcast on its public access channel (via Comcast). The VODolton twitter account was created as an additional avenue of communication. Read more...
Date: 08/09/11
Notice of Waterworks Committee Meeting Aug 10th
On Wednesday, August 10th, at 3:30 p.m., the Committee of Waterworks will hold a meeting at Dolton Village Hall's Municipal Board Room to discuss water meter reader systems. See more.
Date: 07/29/11
Dolton Police Host Successful National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 2nd, the Dolton Police Department hosted a successful National Night Out.
Dolton's National Night Out and National Night Out across the country is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support forand participation in local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnership, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Many Dolton residents and community organizations came out to help make this event a success.
Last year's National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2010.
Date: 07/29/11
Dolton Mayor Ronnie Lewis to Appear as Comcast Newsmaker
Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis has served the Village of Dolton for over 19 years. Since then he has brought in new businesses, worked toward fiscal health for the Village, and expanded Dolton’s reach across the seas. That’s why he was chosen as a Comcast Newsmaker.
This month, the Mayor sat down in Comcast studio with Newsmakers’ Host Ellee Pai Hong to discuss Dolton’s state of affairs. The Mayor also discussed Dolton’s sister city program with Ghana in West Africa. Thus far Dolton has donated over 30 barrels of books to help the country to build a library.
The program’s air date will be determined in August.
Date: 07/29/11
Dolton Police Department Uses Grant Funds to Improve Officer and Community Safety
The Dolton Police Department has been awarded three federal grants from the U.S. Department of Justice worth more than $40,000 to help improve efficiency, officer and community safety.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system. JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures.
The Dolton Police Department will use JAG funds to purchase in-vehicle cameras and recording devices. Police officials say these devices will be a great asset for the community as well as a great training tool for the officers.
The federal government received many applications requesting approximately $22 million to enhance programs and services in the areas of Law Enforcement, Prosecution and Courts, Corrections and Community Corrections, Prevention and Education, and Drug Treatment. The Dolton Police Department was evaluated and awarded grant funding based on their financial and equipment need.
Date: 07/19/11
Dolton Establishes Cooling Centers to Protect Residents from Extreme Heat Wave
The Dolton Police Department has worked to establish five cooling centers for Dolton residents in the wake of this week's extreme heat wave.
Dorchester Center, 1515 E. 154th Street, 841-5560, 50 people, open 24 hours.
Dolton Village Hall, 14014 Park Ave., 849-4000, 50 people, open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm,
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Wednesday until 9:00am -8:00pm
Dolton Park District, 715 Engle, 841-2111, 35 people, 8:00 am -8:00 pm Monday thru
Friday, Saturday 8:00 am -6:00 pm
Dolton Library, Lincoln and Park, 849-2385, 100 plus people, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Monday thru Thursday; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday and Saturday.
Our Savior Center Senior Center, 14600 Indiana Avenue 841-8476, 25 people, open
9:00 am- 4:00 pm.
If any resident needs transportation to any of the other centers, it will be provided by the Police and Fire Departments as soon as possible. Also, these locations are only able to provide a place to get out of the heat. If a resident believes they may be at a location for an extended period, they should be advised to bring something to eat and drink. Dolton residents are also asked to look out for their neighbors, particularly the elderly and those in poor health. For more information, please contact 708.201.3200. Print this information.
ate: 07/19/11
Village of Dolton Hears Residents Concerns:
Repairs Dorchester Ave
The Village of Dolton is working to improve its roadways. This week village workers began repair on Dorchester Avenue.
The work began on Wednesday, July 13th, and is expected to continue for 10 working business days. Dolton Mayor Ronnie Lewis helped to push for the project and repair work after dozens of residents complained of potholes and repair needs.
“We are pleased to report that we are beginning to repair a roadway that has been a concern to us for quite some time,” Mayor Lewis said. “We [Village officials] are out all the time driving through the Village of Dolton and examining the needs of specific areas. We still have more work to do, but we are glad to check Dorchester off of the list.”
Starting on Wednesday, July 13th there will be NO PARKING on Dorchester Avenue from 7am to 5pm. A minimum of 1" inch of hot-mix asphalt leveling binder has been applied to the roadway and the existing manholes in the centerline of the roadway are being adjusted and reconstructed. The existing HMA (hot-mix asphalt) surface is being removed in order to remove the potholes, ruts, reflective cracking, and pavement failures.
Officials say the Dorchester Avenue Roadway Improvement Project is one of many improvements to come.
Date: 07/19/11
Village of Dolton Receives $100K Through Illinois Jobs Now Program
Governor Pat Quinn recently announced the release of $100 million in additional motor fuel tax monies to be divided among municipal, township, and county transportation projects statewide. Through Illinois’ six-year, $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! Program, the Village of Dolton will receive $111,233.
Lawmakers approved the public works program in 2009, deciding to fund the construction by raising taxes on liquor and candy, as well as legalizing video gambling. The program calls for municipalities, townships and counties to receive five annual installments of $100 million (divided across the state) for transportation projects.
The Illinois Department of Transportation will provide oversight as Dolton officials select and manage the projects to be funded. The types of projects covered by the grant include: street and bridge maintenance, upgraded traffic signals, new storm sewers and bike baths, sidewalk replacement, and pothole repairs.
Date: 07/19/11
Dolton Police Invite Residents to National Night Out
click image for full flyer
Date: 07/01/11
Come Join the Village of Dolton's 4th of July Celebration
Date: 07/01/11
Village Officials and Residents Hear River Bend Prairie Expansion Proposal
On Tuesday, July 28th, 2011, the Village of Dolton Mayor and Board of Trustees hosted a special meeting to hear and discuss the possible annexation and expansion of the River Bend Prairie Landfill in Dolton. Click here for the Land and Lake officials’ presentation. For more information, please contact 708.201.3270.
Date: 06/10/11
Come Join the Village of Dolton's 4th of July Celebration
Date: 06/10/11
Village of Dolton Cancels 4th of July Fireworks
There will be no fireworks show this year at the Village of Dolton’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration. The Village Board of Trustees voted unanimously to cancel the fireworks display in order to save thousands of dollars in expenses.
“We regret having to cancel what has been a part of our annual tradition,” said Village of Dolton Mayor Ronnie C. Lewis. “But, considering the current economic climate and the undue hardship that could be placed on our police and fire departments with other local communities cancelling their shows, we believe that this is in the best interest of our taxpayers and residents. We will still have our annual parade and picnic, and we know that we can still have a good time without the extra expense.”
The Village Board of Trustees decided to shelve the fireworks portion of the celebration due to tough economic times. The 2011 fireworks show would cost the Village over $20,000 dollars—not fully including necessary police, fire, overtime, and cleanup efforts. Read more...
Date: 06/07/11
Your Invited!
Date: 05/25/11
Village of Dolton Board Approves Parking Ticket Amnesty Program
The Village of Dolton Board has approved the 2011 Dolton Parking Ticket Amnesty Program to help residents resolve outstanding parking tickets in a more cost effective manner.
The amnesty program will provide an opportunity for residents with outstanding parking tickets (going back as far as 2004 or 2005) to resolve those tickets at a substantially reduced price. This is a one-time amnesty program offered by the Village. The program is available for parking and red light tickets. To learn more, please contact 708.201.3270.
Date: 05/23/11
Village of Dolton Police Issue
Missing Persons Alert
The Village of Dolton Police have issued a missing persons alert for a long-time resident who's been missing for nearly three weeks.
Date: 05/6/11
Village of Dolton Helps Support Special Olympics
The Village of Dolton is helping to support the Illinois Special Olympics Law Enforcement Cop-on-Top of Dunkin Donuts this year! On Friday, May 20th, 2011 please come out to support this very important cause with a donation. The event will be held at both Dunkin Donuts locations in the Village of Dolton from 5 a.m.-2p.m. In the Dolton area, the Special Olympics helps special needs children within the village participate in various Special Olympics programs.
More than $207,000 was raised during last year's record-breaking Cop on Rooftop event at 111 locations!
Everyone who visits a Cop on Rooftop store and makes a donation to the Torch Run will receive a free donut. People who donate at least $10 will also receive a Law Enforcement Torch Run® travel mug and coupon for free coffee.
Date: 05/5/11
Village of Dolton Releases Mole Control Information
Date: 05/2/11
Village of Dolton Welcomes New Trustees
On May 9, 2011 Mayor C. Lewis and The Village of Dolton held their regularly scheduled board meeting to welcome new trustees to the Village, and to thank those who have served their last term.
Trustees Gary M. Lambert, Willie L. Lowe, and Eva M. Nicholson bid their farewell as members of the board and thanked the Village and their colleagues for their support over the years. Three new trustees, Sabrina F. Smith, Cathern L. Bendell, and Riley H. Rogers, officially claimed their posts.