East Central Reporter

Student achievement, car show plans and fundraising relay business were front and center when Mayor Daniel Kleiss called the Tuscola City Council Feb. 8 meeting to order in City Hall.

Kleiss announced that Tuscola Community High School (TCHS) student Alexis Nau was selected as Tuscola’s winner of the Hometown Proud Essay contest, sponsored by the Illinois Municipal League. After winning at the local level, Alexis’ “Hometown Proud” essay went on to capture second place at the state level and was featured in a recent edition of the Illinois Municipal Review.

At the mayor’s invitation, Wheels Car Club representatives Brian Cordes and Richard Bean addressed the council regarding the club’s upcoming car show, noting its previous success and discussing its impact on local traffic and parking. The council granted support for signage and parking management assistance for the June 4 event.

Tourism occupied the council’s attention as Anna Nelson presented the Annual Tourism Report along with pertinent visual marketing presentations relating to Amish Country.

City Administrator Drew Hoel commended the city’s “home grown events” -- the Rural Life Antique Show and the Spring Fling Car Show -- saying that “these are the kind of events to get behind because they keep growing.”

City Treasurer Alta Long agreed, stating that the events are well organized and staff does a good job without burdening city staffers.

In community affairs, the council reviewed a request from Becky’s Buddies Relay for Life team for permission to collect donations downtown and at the mall exit on May 14. Fiscal matters including bonds, loans and tax ordinances were discussed prior to adjournment.