Longtime councilmen resign

REARDAN - Clay Soliday was recognized for his 50-year tenure on the town council during the town's annual ice cream social at the park, Tuesday Sept 19.

Soliday, along with 23-year fellow town council veteran Shad Vincent, didn't file for re-election in this November's general election and won't return to a council where they've spent a combined 73 years together.

Mayor Gail Daniels presented Soliday with an American flag and engraved flagpole.

"I have Clay on speed dial because he has more knowledge about what's going on in this town than anyone else," Daniels said.

Soliday said it was a privilege to serve on the town council and that "it never seemed like a job."

Some projects he is most proud of are the town's well, water towers and sewer system.

"One thing this job did was helped me develop patience," he said. "Without a large tax base, it was often a challenge getting projects done."

Two of Soliday's priorities were to rid the town of potholes and improve its appearance.

"It's time for me to step aside," Soliday said. "The town might benefit from younger blood, and new thoughts and ideas. I hope my replacement place Reardan's best interests as their priority."

Soliday will continue serving until Jan. 1, 2024. Vincent resigned effective Aug. 14.

No one filed to fill the vacant seats with the Lincoln County Auditor's Office during filing periods in May and July, so the town plans to fill the positions by application and appointment. Interested candidates, who must live in town limits, can contact the Town for more information.

The chosen candidate to replace Vincent would take office immediately after being appointed by council, while Soliday's replacement would begin a four-year term at the beginning of 2024.

Other current councilmembers include Dan Graham, Celeste Lewis and Leanne Merkel.