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Belleville Today
By the People, for the People
Belleville Library Board Appoints John Juriga to Fill Vacant Seat
Juriga, a former longtime board member, will serve until the end of 2026 after the passing of Alma Hughes-Grubbs.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The Belleville Area District Library Board has appointed former board member John Juriga to fill the vacancy created by the recent death of elected board member Alma Hughes-Grubbs. Juriga, who did not run for re-election last year, will serve on the board until the end of 2026 when Hughes-Grubbs' term was set to expire.
Why it matters
The appointment of Juriga, a longtime library board member, ensures continuity and experience on the board following the passing of Hughes-Grubbs, who was described as a "cheerful face" and highly respected member of the Belleville community.
The details
The library board passed a resolution to fill the vacancy created by Hughes-Grubbs' death on January 7. According to the bylaws, the vacancy is filled by a majority vote of the remaining board members, and since it is more than 140 days before the next board election on November 3, the appointed board member will only serve until December 31. All five board members present voted in favor of appointing Juriga.
- Alma Hughes-Grubbs passed away on January 7, 2026.
- The library board voted to fill the vacancy on February 10, 2026.
- Juriga will be sworn in at the March 10, 2026 board meeting.
The players
John Juriga
A former, longtime member of the Belleville Area District Library Board who did not run for re-election last year, but has now been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Alma Hughes-Grubbs.
Alma Hughes-Grubbs
An elected member of the Belleville Area District Library Board who passed away on January 7, 2026.
Belleville Area District Library Board
The governing body of the Belleville Area District Library, responsible for appointing a new member to fill the vacancy left by Alma Hughes-Grubbs' passing.
What they’re saying
“It is gratifying to learn a former colleague expressed a willingness to fill in on the board.”
— Sharon Peters, Board President (bellevilleareaindependent.com)
“We still feel her absence.”
— Sharon Peters, Board President (bellevilleareaindependent.com)
“But I'm glad John's here.”
— Daniel Fleming, Board Member (bellevilleareaindependent.com)
What’s next
Juriga will be sworn in at the March 10, 2026 library board meeting by 34th District Court Judge Lisa Martin.
The takeaway
The appointment of experienced former board member John Juriga to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Alma Hughes-Grubbs ensures continuity and stability on the Belleville Area District Library Board during this transition period.
