Gwendy Garner approved to serve as interim director of Chester Chamber of Commerce
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[CHESTER - The Chester Chamber of Commerce monthly board meeting was held at Reid's Harvest House, Tuesday, January 15.
Gwendy Garner was nominated and approved to serve as an interim director until the general election of officers and directors at the April meeting. In addition to Gwendy, the following have been nominated for a three year director position: Richard Allison, Jason Coffey, Bertha Mae Blechle, Dan Geisen, Don Welge, and Steve Hayes.
Volunteers are needed to work at this year's annual all you can eat fish and shrimp dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Friday, February 25, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children. Carry outs may be ordered by calling 826.3316 after 4:00 on the 25th.
A ribbon cutting will take place at the new office of Edward Jones Agent Drew McClellan, Dominos Pizza (a new business) and the relocated JCS Wireless (Verizon), all at the Chester Center Complex.
A meeting of the River City Renewal Board is scheduled February 24. The board will be working on a mission statement, vision of the corporation, and objectives. Chris Blechle will serve as Interim President until an official election is held.
By popular request, the annual dinner will again be held at the Chester Country Club in June. The Chamber Advisory Board is in charge of the arrangements for the casual evening. Details will be announced in the near future.
Chief Ryan Coffey talked about the Regional Law Enforcement training, hosted by Chester, scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. at Reid's Harvest House. He also spoke about the benefits of the $100,000 grant that the police department received. Thanks to the grant money, GPS systems have been installed in the police cars and cameras which provide a view of the officer in the vehicle and a view of the front of the vehicle. He is planning to have a special event for the public in the spring to demonstrate all the new equipment. The department, along with Southwestern Illinois College and Memorial Hospital, will soon offer a pharmaceutical disposal which will provide a safe way to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription drugs.
According to Alderman Carolyn Schwent , many positive comments have been received regarding the city's response to the recent bad weather by keeping roads plowed and cleaned of snow. The police department is also commended for dealing with traffic related issues caused by the inclement weather. The City will be accepting bids for two properties which are not needed.
Directors will personally contact previous members who have forgotten to pay this year's dues.
The Chamber's next meeting will be March 15, at noon at the Chester Eagles Club. The speaker at the one hour lunch meeting will be James M. Hill, Assistant Operations Manager of the Kaskaskia River Project.