The Carmi city council meeting held on December 21, 2021, gave new introductions for the New Year.
In attendance was Illinois State Fair Queen, Kelsi Kesler, who shared her journey of gaining confidence, meeting new confidants, and experiencing Illinois through a new lens. As she wrapped up her speech Mayor Jeff Pollard granted her a key to the city for her work in the White Country area, and Illinois as a whole. In a month she will travel back up to Springfield to hang over the title to another girl and continue on with her education at the University of Illinois.
Also in attendance was new police officer Mitchell Malone. Sergeant, Jason Carter, said he is going to the police academy the first week of January. After many years serving in the Army National Guard, the force is excited to bring him on.
Jeff Pollard added that the city buildings will be closed on the 23rd and 24th, as well as the 30th and 31st. Doug Hays also sent out a notice informing the city that they are becoming more strict in their payments. Formerly those residing in the Carmi district were given up to a month before their utilities were disconnected, but now failing to pay by the 15th of each month will result in them being shut off the last Wednesday of the same month.
The council held no closed session and is in adjournment until January of 2022.
