Eagle Scout hopeful looks to honor former trustee Mike Kinas

For the second time in a few months, the Gilman Village Board has started on a somber note, with a moment of silence for a missing comrade. At the Feb. 10 meeting, trustee Mike Kinas was remembered, after he passed away unexpectedly the week before. A vacant seat left by the unexpected passing of trustee Bob Mechelke, is already waiting to be filled in the spring election, however, Kinas’ sister, Lisa Anderson, has volunteered to serve out her brother’s term.

Anderson could not be present that night, so she will be appointed at the next meeting.

Jane DeStaercke, village president, says Kinas was a valuable resource to the board.

“And a generous and respected citizen of our community,” she added. “He will be greatly missed.”

He may be gone, but he will not be forgotten, as Dalton Wisocky, 15, approached the board for initial approval to complete an Eagle Scout project in honor of Kinas. Kinas and his wife, Vonda, are Wisocky’s godparents, and Wisocky and the board were on the same page with where the project should take place. Because Kinas was so involved with, and “had great love” for, the park, that is where his focus will be.

“I was thinking like a bench or else like a fire pit,” said Wisocky.

Trustee Eileen Grunseth says she just wants to make sure all criteria is met when submitting the bench for approval to the Eagle Scout Council.

“I like your ideas,” she said, which was echoed by the other members.

“I think a bench is a very good idea,” agreed trustee Greg Steinbach.

Wisocky said he will come back before the board for final approval, once the project is finalized.

Public works director Rick Johnson also had a report about the park, as he mentioned that the village put up some barricades, so snowmobiles cannot go across the park bridge. Walkers will still be able to access the park throughout the remainder of the winter season.

“I’m happy you took care of the openings on both sides of the bridge to block off the snowmobiles, because I know that’s a problem,” said Grunseth.

Grunseth also questioned if the village needed to worry with ruptured water mains from the frost level. Johnson says the frost only goes a few feet deep, and shouldn’t go much deeper.

“I hope not,” he said.

Looking forward with optimism, Grunseth reported that there is an Arbor Day celebration planned for this spring, with more details to follow later on.

“It will be totally different this year, but at least there will be a celebration of some sort,” she said.