VILLAGE PROUD … The Williams County Mayors’ Association met for their May 17, 2021 meeting, and chose to invite and honor the Village Administrators who help keep their towns running. From left to right are in front row…Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade, Blakeslee Mayor Linda Muehlfeld, Montpelier Village Manager Jason Rockey, Edgerton Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles, West Unity VA Josh Fritsch, Edon VA Chad Ordway, and Stryker VA Al Riegsecker. In the back row, left to right are Holiday City President Shawn Clark and Mayor Pam Clark, Montpelier Mayor Steve Yagelski, Edgerton Mayor Robert Day, West Unity Mayor Don Leu, Stryker Mayor Joe Beck and Commissioner Terry Rummel. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
Montpelier Mayor Steve Yagelski welcomed almost all of the Williams County Mayors to the last meeting for this year, on May 19, 2021, at Droptine in Montpelier. Each year the baton of leadership is passed on to another village/Mayor and last year, as COVID restrictions were in place, Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade had passed it on to Yagelski.
Each month, as many mayors as are able to make it attend to build unity amongst the villages and to learn together from invited speakers.
Over this past year the Mayors, along with any Commissioners who care to attend, have heard some informative talks, some historical talks and even some pleas for help.
They enjoy a meal together, paid for out of their dues, and visit around the tables, building friendships and learning from each other.
This month, instead of having a speaker, they chose to honor the Village Administrators of the county villages and city.
Five of the Mayors had brought their VA with them as a guest. Edon Mayor Duane Thiel introduced Chad Ordway, saying, “We are blessed to have him.” Yagelski introduced “our unique” Montpelier Manager Jason Rockey. Stryker Mayor Joe Beck introduced Al Riegsecker. Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade is the Administrator for the city of Bryan. West Unity Mayor Don Leu introduced Josh Fritsch and Edgerton Mayor Bob Day introduced Dawn Fitzcharles.
Mayor Linda Muehlfeld said that they do not have a VA in Blakeslee, and Holiday City Mayor Pam Clark said that their VA, Gary Baker, was not able to be present due to a previous engagement, so her guest was her husband, President of Council Shawn Clark.
Yagelski thanked them all for all that they do to keep the villages running smoothly. Those who were present posed together for a picture for the media and enjoyed their meals.
Yagelski also thanked all who are holding some sort of Memorial Day event in their villages. He asked Ms. Fitzcharles to share a little about what Edgerton will be doing after the COVID Defense Team met.
Fitzcharles shared that they are going to have a COVID Vaccine Clinic on June 3 form 2-4 p.m. for anyone in the surrounding area to get their vaccine. They will have all three vaccines available. They are also reaching out to see if some of the lower vaccinated communities can be assisted in getting vaccinated.
They are encouraging that people call to register, but Walk-ins will be accepted. During the discussion that followed, about the vaccine, Mayor Schlade recommended that people with concerns should talk with their trusted professionals. Health Commissioner Jim Watkins is also open to answering questions.
The report was given that the financial balance on April 21, 2021 was $2,431.84 and $201.38 was spent for the meals for the April meeting. They begin with $2,230.46 minus the bill for the evening, for West Unity, who is taking over for next year.
He welcomed Mayor Leu to the position and Mayor Schlade asked for a motion to put him into that office, which the group proceeded to do, to make it official. Mayor Leu thanked them and said he looks forward to leading the group next year.
Yagelski ended by thanking everyone for a good season and said he looks forward to seeing them over the summer.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com