Cornell City Council - Police chief finally hired for vacant position

By Ginna Young

It took more than a year, but the police chief position in Cornell, has finally been filled. Approved by the city council Dec. 5, was the hire of John P. Kosterman, at the rate of $38.50/hour, with four weeks vacation, pro-rated from the start date of employment.

“Hopefully, this will be the last time we do that for quite a while,” said council president Steve Turany.

Members also agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding with Chippewa County, for $490, to provide statewide voter registration services for the city, for 2025.

“It helps us, if we don’t have to buy some additional software,” said city administrator Dave DeJongh. “Most smaller municipalities go this route.”

Although not a council matter, Turany reported on the status of the annual Cornell Community Fair. For years, participation in the planning has dwindled, with yet another member stepping down after the 2024 event. A call was put out for help to keep the organization going and that call was answered.

Almost a dozen people attended a recent meeting, volunteering their time and skills to keep the three-day event running. The date is set for June 13-15, 2025, with even more activities planned than last year, including youth baseball and softball, a kiddie parade and a regular parade.

A pair of people also took over the social media part of the fair, as well as soliciting donations and financial paperwork.

If anyone would like to help in any way or has any ideas, they can contact Turany or call the city office.

“The more the merrier,” said Turany.