PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
GUEST SPEAKER … Becky Kimble, Independent Living Manager, gave a presentation regarding the disability services offered by The Ability Center. She highlighted the “Adapt and Thrive” initiative, which focuses on providing pathways for job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Mayors Association met on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to discuss intergovernmental communication and emerging concerns affecting local emergency services.
Additionally, Becky Kimble of The Ability Center provided a presentation regarding disability services offered to Williams County.
Blakeslee Mayor Eric Jenkins, Montpelier Mayor Steve Yagelski, Edon Mayor Duane Thiel, Holiday City Mayor Pamela Clark, Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade, West Unity Mayor Don Leu, and Edgerton Mayor Robert Day were in attendance.
During new business, discussion turned to the ongoing situation involving the Pioneer Fire Department. The issue, which has drawn attention across the country, stems from a dispute between village leadership and the fire department.
The issue began when Mayor Ed Kidston demoted Assistant Fire Chief Tiler Williams, a move that was strongly opposed by other members of the fire department.
In response, a majority of the firefighters staged a walkout during a Pioneer village council meeting, leaving the town without its traditional fire coverage.
That response created immediate concern about fire and EMS coverage in the village. While details continue to develop, the situation has prompted broader conversation among local leaders regarding transparency and preparedness if any similar situations were to arise in the future.
Montpelier Mayor Steve Yagelski expressed concern over how situations like this may impact neighboring departments and communities.
“It’s a concern of mine, because not knowing exactly what is going on over there, I suspect between Kunkle and Montpelier that if there is a call, an automatic aid will kick in,” he stated.
“If any of us are in that situation, we as elected officials should notify the rest of the elected officials that have fire departments.
“Or, better yet, the entire Mayors Association. We need to have some notification,” said Yagelski. “I hope it gets resolved for the sake of the residents of Pioneer and the area they serve.”
As per tradition with the upcoming May meeting, fire chiefs are typically invited to join the last meeting before summer break.
Officials agreed to continue that tradition and all invite their respective fire chiefs to the last meeting.
A guest speaker was introduced during the final portion of the meeting. Becky Kimble, Independent Living Manager of The Ability Center’s location in Bryan, presented information regarding disability services.
The Ability Center operates as a Center for Independent Living, providing advocacy, life-skills training, and connections to resources such as housing, transportation, and employment support.
Kimble highlighted the organization’s “Adapt and Thrive” initiative, which focuses on helping individuals with disabilities successfully enter and remain in the workforce.
Through workshops and outreach events, Adapt and Thrive aims to break down barriers to employment and ensure individuals have clear pathways to meaningful work and community participation.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. The next Williams County Mayors Association meeting will take place on May 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
