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By Charles Bolinger
Editor
Ray Muniz is not surprised that the Illinois Attorney General's Office is prosecuting its case against Guideon Richeson, not at all.
Muniz is a former St. Jacob Mayor who led the village for 12 years. While his term of office did not overlap that of Richeson's, Muniz is a village resident. Richeson is not.
That violation of the Illinois Municipal Code has been the crux of Muniz's beef with Richeson. Muniz said Richeson used to live on Waterman Avenue in St. Louis' Central West End neighborhood but from October 2023, Richeson's address has been in unincorporated Florissant, in North St. Louis County.
Separately, Richeson, who owns the Richeson & Aebishcher-Richeson Funeral Home locations in Troy and St. Jacob, attended a preliminary hearing in front of Judge Neil Schroeder in Madison County Court on Aug. 1 after he was charged with 10 counts of tax evasion and one count of not keeping accurate books and records by Kwame Raoul's office. Records show Richeson was arraigned on Aug. 1.
A reporter called Richeson's cell phone on July 24 and left a message but received no return call.
Muniz spoke to a reporter on July 30 with more information on Richeson's conduct as a trustee and how he allegedly had no issues diverting supplies, labor and improvement to benefit the village's funeral home location.
"Guideon Richeson was not elected to begin with," Muniz noted. Current Mayor Richard Schiefer appointed Richeson in late 2013 or early 2014, Muniz said.
"I don't like Guideon or anything about him," Muniz said. "He has never lived within the village of St. Jacob."
A reporter called Richeson's cell phone again on Aug. 4. A man answered and identified himself as Richeson but after a reporter identified himself and why he called, Richeson replied, "I have nothing to say," and hung up.
Muniz filed a ballot objection letter dated Dec. 30, 2014, in which Muniz wrote - "I hereby submit this formal objection to the candidacy of Guideon Richeson for the office of St, Jacob Village Trustee. I request that his name be removed from the ballot of The Consolidated Election to be held on April 7, 2015. My objection is based on the fact that Mr. Richeson is not a resident of The Village of St. Jacob and therefore lacks the legal residency standing as required for this office." He said that Schiefer, the village clerk and the senior trustee all allegedly dismissed his complaint that the election was rigged to benefit Richeson.
The Times-Tribune contacted Mayor Schiefer for comment on these matters on Aug. 1. He did not respond by the Aug. 4 deadline for this issue.
Richeson ran for re-election in 2017. By overlooking the address issue, Muniz feels it sets a poor precedent that others may try, even if they live in Illinois. In the most recent election in April 2025, Richeson did not ran unopposed; four people ran for three board seats. Muniz said the other two winners. Dawn Ross and Derek Ashoff, are village residents. Muniz added that Ross has been the only other trustee to dissent about Richeson being allowed to serve as a trustee with his Show-Me State residency.
Muniz said he complained again later only to be allegedly shut down at board hearings.
When asked why the mayor and board have allegedly been so complicit in looking the other way about Richeson's residency, Muniz replied that Richeson's behavior is passive-aggressive and at times, vindictive. The mayor and board didn't want to deal with the drama or any retaliation from Richeson, Muniz said.
Another area of concern happened soon after his appointment to the board. Richeon was named chairman of streets and alleys, Muniz said. "They gave him control of the village's streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and alleys,'' he said.
Muniz said starting in 2013, he began submitting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, specifically asking to see copies of the meeting minutes from any Streets and Alleys committee meetings.
Muniz said he was told the committee never formally met after Richeson joined the board.
"In January 2015, I was told they did not have a transcript," Muniz said. "At the hearing for the second time I objected, it was brought into evidence by the village attorney."
Andrew Carruthers, the village attorney then, replied, "St. Jacob has to deny your FOIA request as it does not have a copy of the transcript from the hearing last night and, therefore, has nothing to provide."
Muniz admitted that was not sure if that is still true in 2025. Regardless, it set the foundation for what would become a pattern of ignoring village rules and procedures.
Muniz also asked a list of residency questions of Richeson, but "Per his attorney he would not answer any of them," Muniz said.
He also asked about the type of bid process used to handle contracts for street repaying, new gutters, curbs, sidewalks, etc. The response was that there was no bid process. Meanwhile, his own street needed maintenance at that time, he recalled.
"This is the response I received regarding my FOIA request of Aug. 3, 2021 asking for minutes recordings and transcripts for the streets and alley committee that Guideon charged," Muniz said. "This is the committee that handles all bids for oil and chips, among other things.'
"There are no minutes recording or transcripts for the streets, alleys and MFT committee because there were no meetings held," replied Village Clerk Kathy Becker.
During the winter of 2013- 2014, Muniz said a truckload of rock salt went missing. For two or three weeks, it became a village whodunit story and rumors swirled.
Richeson finally admitted that he asked then-public works employee Greg Korbena to drive the truck to the funeral home's parking lot and use it to remove the snow and salt the lot. Korbena is the current building and zoning director in Granite City. Muniz said he had no issues with the snow removal but there was no reason to take an entire dump truck to salt one parking lot and entrance when others in the village could have benefitted from that salt.
The Times-Tribune also contacted Korbena for comment on Aug. 1. No response was received from Koberna by this issue's Aug. 4 deadline.
"Pertaining to the street, alleys and MFT committee bids for proposal and the awarded projects for the period of May 2013 through Aug. 4, 2021 are attached," Becker replied on Sept. 9, 2021, however, the documentation provided through FOIA contained only oil 'n chip bids from 2015 and before. As the years passed, Muniz said he asked via FOIA what streets needed to be resurfaced and was told there were no such records kept.
Muniz alleges that Richeson had the St. Jacob funeral home's parking lot oil 'n chipped in August 2024 instead of that material going to use on village streets.
That was not the first instance that Richeson failed to go through proper channels to get things done, Muniz said.
The former mayor accused Richeson of negotiating to obtain favorable pricing on goods and services that would be impossible for village residents to match for the same item or service.
"Why wasn't any of that [special pricing] spread around the village?" Muniz asked hypothetically.
Muniz said Richeson had the curbs and gutters on the street in front of his funeral home in the village replaced with no documentation and no one else on the same street received the same benefits.
Muniz reminded a reporter that all of these things were done while Richeson was not even a resident.
While Muniz said he has no intention of running for public office again after he was defeated when he ran for mayor again in the 2021 election, he sought to get the word out, so more residents are aware of what is happening with their village government.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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