(PHOTO NY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
MEMORIAL … Tarry Eicher Fikel was presented with the Gold and Blue Star Families Memorial Bridge Sign.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Village of Montpelier held its regular council meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., hosted at the Montpelier Police Department.
The meeting commenced with a call to order, followed by the appointment of Nikki Uribes as acting clerk. Roll call confirmed that all council members were present.
Mayor Steve Yagelski, Council President Kevin Motter, council members Don Schlosser, Nathan Thompson, Chris Kannel, Melissa Ewers, and Heather Freese were in attendance. Kevin Doseck from St. Paul’s Catholic Church gave a prayer before the Pledge of Allegiance.
Key items included the approval of the July 14 agenda and the minutes from the June 23 meeting, alongside a review of financial reports. Council and committee reports were presented, providing updates on ongoing village initiatives.
A significant highlight was the recognition of Chad Lyons’ retirement from the fire department, accompanied by a Length of Service Award Program payment of $3,000.00.
Additionally, the village will consider a motion to sell a two-spool wire stand to the Village of Pioneer for $5,000.00. Other business included Resolution 1434 for a police pension transfer and an income tax report.
Village Manager Jason Rockey reported updates on several stained glass windows in the former Montpelier UB Church will be auctioned off soon before the demolition of the structure.
The Williams County Land Reutilization Corp. has been discussing what to do with the windows for a few months, with interest being expressed by the Williams County Historical Society and some residents.
Last Thursday, the Land Bank approved a proposal to have them auctioned online soon. There are smaller panes of the windows that contain local family names, as well as larger 12-foot-high panes available.
In a heartfelt tribute, the village addressed the legacy of Sgt. Michael P. Hodshire, a Montpelier native who lost his life on October 30, 2005, during his second deployment to Iraq.
The son of Edwin and Tarry (Eicher) Fikel, Sgt. Hodshire graduated from North Adams-Jerome High School and served with distinction.
In his memory, the Gold and Blue Star Families Memorial Bridge Sign has been placed at the intersection of Main and Jonesville Streets, alongside the POW/MIA Family Memorial Viaduct, as a daily reminder of the sacrifices made by local families.
The Williams County Veterans Memorial is currently collecting names of service members from the county or those who have made Williams County their home after service.
Arrangements are in place to distribute miniature memorial signs to Gold and Blue Star families and POW/MIA families.
Priority will be given first to Gold Star parents and spouses, then children, followed by Blue Star parents and spouses, with a limit of one sign per family.
Interested parties are encouraged to email wmsvetsman@gmail.com with the service member’s name, branch of service, dates of service, and their relationship to the honoree.
The Village of Montpelier council meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for July 28 at 6:00 p.m.