[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 128 (Thursday, October 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HAROLD W. JURGENA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 2002

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements 
of Harold W. Jurgena, from Irving, Illinois.
  A graduate of Hillsboro High School, Mr. Jurgena went on to work at 
the Hillsboro Glass Company for nearly 40 years. He and his family have 
been involved in farming since his birth.
  In 1962, Jurgena was appointed to replace John Walters' in his term 
as Village President. He has been re-elected as Village President for 
the last nine consecutive terms.
  The Jurgena tenure has been marked by a number of achievements such 
as improvements in the city's water system, natural gas, sewage 
upgrades, cable television, modernizing the city police department, 
lighting the ball field, a new Fire House and City Hall and the 
construction of the Irving Century House.
  As Village President or ``Mayor'' as he is known, Jurgena never 
overlooked the needs of his city. Yet he didn't stop with just elected 
public service. He has also served on the Hillsboro Board of Education, 
as a member of the Irving Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the 
Farm Bureau, past president of the Lutheran Brotherhood, member of the 
Ansar Shrine in Springfield, Adult Leader of the Montgomery county 4-H 
and Past Master of the Irving Masonic Lodge.
  Throughout his life, Harold Jurgena has given selflessly for his 
community and those around him. He has been an inspiration to 
generations of Irving residents and I am proud to call him one of mine 
as well.
  The people of our area have benefited greatly from Harold Jurgena and 
I believe it is proper for us to take the time to recognize him and say 
thanks for a job well done.




                          ____________________