The Casey City Council addressed major financial challenges and a significant leadership transition at its meeting on September 15, 2025. Mayor Mike Nichols gave a stark presentation on the city’s utility finances, revealing a combined departmental deficit of nearly $1.1 million, driven by population loss and rising costs. He warned residents that rate increases are likely necessary to stabilize the funds and prevent service cuts. A full story on the city’s financial situation is available.

In a key personnel move, the council unanimously approved the hiring of Casey native Ryan Staley as the new Director of Public Works. Staley, a civil engineer with extensive experience in municipal projects, will succeed retiring Superintendent of Utilities Shelby Biggs. For more details on the new director, read the full article. The council also approved a grant application for the Safe Routes to School program and promoted a police officer.

Officer Reed Promoted to Full-Time Status
The council unanimously approved Police Chief Adam Henderson’s recommendation to move Officer Jacob Reed from probationary to full-time status. The promotion follows Officer Reed’s successful completion of his one-year probationary period and field training, which concluded on September 3. Mayor Mike Nichols noted that Reed is also “soon to be married and a full-time husband, too.”

Fall Cleanup Dates Set
Superintendent of Utilities Shelby Biggs announced that the annual city-wide fall cleanup is scheduled for October 11 through October 18. This event allows residents to dispose of large items and other refuse not typically collected during regular trash pickup. The city has also posted the information on its social media pages for residents seeking more details on accepted materials.

Scarecrow Contest to Benefit VFW
The “Scarecrow Showdown Spectacular” will return to Casey this October, with proceeds benefiting the local VFW. Organized by Leslie Duniphan of Simple Blessings, the event invites businesses and, for the first time, individuals to create and display scarecrows. Registration is due by September 27, with public voting taking place from October 1 through October 22. Winners will be announced on Halloween.

Dilapidated Properties Being Demolished
Police Chief Adam Henderson reported that the city is continuing its efforts to address dilapidated properties. Demolition work began this week on a house at 301 West, one of several properties on the city’s ordinance violation list. Henderson stated that two more demolitions are scheduled to take place within the next week, with four more non-commercial properties remaining on the current list for action.

Student Gains Experience with City Crew
Mayor Mike Nichols announced a new partnership with the local high school’s work program. Student Fred Thomas is now working with the city’s electric department from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily to gain hands-on experience before attending lineman school after graduation. Thomas is the grandson of Casey’s former electric foreman, Keith Se.

Trick-or-Treat Night Confirmed for Halloween
In response to questions from residents, the council confirmed that city-wide trick-or-treating will take place on the evening of Halloween. This year, October 31 falls on a Friday. The city’s general policy is to hold the event on Halloween itself unless the date falls on a Sunday.