Chester city council mourns loss of Don Welge

The Chester city council, like the rest of us, is adapting to the COVID-19 quarantine. On Monday, all the aldermen, City Clerk Bethany Berner, City Treasurer Nancy Eggemeyer, City Attorney Jeff Kerkhover, and Mayor Tom Page checked in using the Zoom app. The meeting was hosted by Administrative Librarian Tammy Grah.

Mayor Page reported, with sadness, that Randolph County lost its first resident to the coronavirus last week in Don Welge, the president and CEO of Gilster Mary-Lee Corp. Page said a public memorial for the 84-year-old businessman and regional leader will be held once the pandemic has ended. He added that as of Monday, 59 people in Randolph County have tested positive for COVID-19. Of them, 22 patients remain either under quarantine or in the hospital, while 37 have recovered.

3rd Ward Alderman Robert Platt reported the bills were found in order and moved to approve them in the amount of $133,451. The council gave its approval.

The council approved to amend the trash contract and the solid waste contract as presented for the next year.

In final action, the council moved to transfer $250,000 from the gas fund to the general fund.

The next City Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. May 4. If the stay-at-home order is lifted they will meet at the City Hall Council room, if it is still in place, they may once again meet using Zoom.