Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the November 3rd city council meeting. Key topics included the sale of an old squad car to a city police officer and a positive report from the city’s auditor, confirming strong financial practices. They had one from a dealer for $580, and the other one was from Sean Bonner for $650 for the old squad car. TIF 2 District was allowed to dissolve. The council addressed changes at the ethanol plant due to new restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions. Lapis Construction is set to begin a multi-year project to store CO2 deep underground, with further public meetings planned as the process unfolds, which could take a couple more years, according to Mayor Volkert. Lastly, Veterans Day will be marked with a ceremony at Veterans Park on November 11th at 11 AM. Mayor Volkert is asking residents to come on in full force for the Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday.
Veterans Day will be observed at Veterans Park on November 11th, beginning at 11 AM—the exact hour the World War I armistice was signed. Each year, attendance fluctuates between 15 and 20 participants, but organizers are hoping for a larger gathering this time despite chilly temperatures. The ceremony typically includes remarks from an arsenal representative and the traditional sounding of the fire whistle, honoring those who have served our country. Community members are encouraged to join in recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans and to help ensure their contributions are not forgotten.
In a recent report, city officials announced strong financial health for the municipal retirement fund, with nearly all assets performing well. The fund has been intentionally overfunded to ensure long-term stability for retirees. The auditor report was over 99% good, with just a minor adjustment underway as new regulations require that all city-related accounts be consolidated under a single authority. Officials are currently making these transfers to comply with the updated rules.
Local regulators are enforcing new restrictions on carbon dioxide emissions from the ethanol plant, halting the release of the visible clouds over the facility. In response, Lapis Construction is exploring underground carbon sequestration by drilling deep wells, reaching depths up to 6,000 feet to deposit CO₂ safely beneath layers of rock and sandstone. Geological sensors have already been installed, and the well is below the local water table. This process, now in its initial year, may require two to three more years for Illinois EPA approval. The project could bring around 30 trucks daily from Iowa and raises concerns regarding local traffic and farmland impact. Community information meetings are being planned as the proposal moves forward.
