By Steven Stilt
The filing period is approaching for those interested in running for two seats on the Centralia City Council.
During Tuesday evening’s council meeting, City Clerk Kim Enke reported that the candidates’ filing period for the seats currently held by Rob Jackson and Jeff Castellari starts next week.
“The filing period this year is from October 21 through October 28. Nominating petitions will be accepted during the normal office hours of 7:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday, during that time. On the last day of filing, on October 28, we will remain open until 5 p.m. to take those nominating petitions.”
Enke added that any nominating petitions submitted at the very beginning of the filing period will be considered to be filed simultaneously, and a lottery will take place on November 5 to determine which candidate’s name appears at the top of the ballot. If multiple candidates file during the last hour of the filing period, they are also considered simultaneous, and a lottery will be held to determine who is listed last on the ballot. Those lotteries are open to the public.
In other action Tuesday, the council approved ordinances declaring 11 properties as surplus and authorizing their sale. Those properties are located at 615 North Lincoln, 902 East Rexford, 1002 East Rexford, 611 South Pine, 824 East Rexford, 310 South Hickory, 325 South Walnut, 435 South Hickory, 1106 North Maple, 424 West Second and 820 East Rexford.
Council members also approved the temporary closure of Rasback Street, between North Elm and North Poplar Streets, on October 25 for a trunk-or-treat event presented by Lifestar Ambulance.
Mayor Bryan Kuder presented a proclamation recognizing October 13 through October 19 as Centralia Business and Professional Women’s Club Week. Mayor Kuder and the city council presented a plaque to several Centralia BPW members who were on hand for the meeting. Becca Deomes, Centralia BPW president for 2024-2025, announced that the club will honor its “Boss of the Year” and “Woman of the Year” on Wednesday evening at Heritage Woods.
The council also recognized public works maintenance operator Bryan Murray for 35 years of service. Murray was not in attendance on Tuesday.
During the public participation portion of the meeting, resident David Boswell addressed the council to request that the city consider reversing the prohibition on waterfowl hunting at the east end of Raccoon Lake.
