Urania resident Mike Russell was appointed by the Town Council to fulfill the unexpired term of Dawn Book, who officially resigned as Alderman on December 10, during the Council’s monthly meeting last week.

Mayor Pro-Tem Pat McDougald mentioned the recent passing of former Council member Jesse “Junior” Powers Jr. He said he wanted to thank him and his family for Powers’ years of service to the town and community and his prayers are with the family in this time of loss.

In the water report, McDougald said all is well with the water right now and that the town received additional funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for $391.94, which will go toward the purchase of generators for every lift station. In the sewer report, he said maintenance and upkeep continue as usual.

In the police department report, there were 82 citations with $10,619.00 collected for November. In the fire report, McDougald said there were no fires to report but the department is in need of volunteers and those interested contact town hall or Chief William Strain.

In Mayor’s comments, McDougald asked citizens to continue in prayer for the mayor. He then added that the town hall will be closed December 24 for Christmas and December 31 for New Year’s Eve.

He brought up the town’s annual Christmas in the Square event and the Senior Citizen’s Christmas Dinner delivery, which he said were both a success. He would like to thank all who helped with the events with a special thank you to Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, the Huttos and church family of Urania Pentecostal Church and to LaSalle Lumber for providing the cookies.

Council member Tom Douglas then mentioned that it is not too late to sign up for the town’s Christmas Light Contest. He said the judging will happen on December 17 with winners announced on the town’s Facebook page.