The Centralia City Council approved the purchase of two used vehicles at its regular meeting on Monday. One was a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado from Crump’s Auto and Trailer Sales for $16,200 for use by Public Works. The other was a 2023 Dodge Durango from Kansas Highway Patrol for $37,400. The Dodge comes fully outfitted for police use.
In public participation, Mayor Bryan Kuder read a proclamation recognizing Kaskaskia College’s 85th anniversary and expressing gratitude for the college’s contributions to Centralia and the surrounding region. Council member Izzy Fontanez echoed that thanks, calling the college the city’s strongest resource and a source of opportunities for Centralia residents.
Wastewater treatment plant operator John Buchholz was recognized with a service award for 15 years of service.
Centralia resident Ray Young spoke to the council to express frustration with the condition of a headstone recently placed in Elmwood Cemetery. Young showed the council pictures of the headstone of Master Sergeant Merritt Leroy Wynn, a veteran killed in the Korean War. He pointed out damage and deterioration in the headstone foundation and called its condition “abhorrent.” Young urged the city to take action to ensure headstones are kept in better condition in the future. Council member Bunny Garrett thanked Young for his comment and agreed that Wynn’s marker was in unusually poor condition.
The next regular Centralia City Council meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, due to the Columbus Day holiday.
