LOUDONVILLE — A seat is now open on the Loudonville Village Council.
Council accepted Shawn Wade’s resignation at Tuesday’s meeting.
Mayor Cathy Lance said Wade submitted his resignation Aug. 25.
Wade joined council Jan. 1 after replacing former Councilwoman Hollie McCauley. He served on the safety and utilities committee and chaired the parks and buildings committee.
The village plans to interview candidates to fill the vacant seat following the Sept. 21 council meeting.
Lance said Wade’s work with a local school and coaching junior high golf had taken more time than he expected.
“It was a very tough decision,” Lance said. “But one of them had to give.”
Wade chose to step away from council so he could continue his work with the school.
Village Solicitor Thom Gilman explained that the mayor has 30 days to appoint someone to fill the vacancy. If the mayor does not make an appointment within that period, the decision to fill the seat goes to council.
The new council member will fill the remainder of Wade’s term. His term is scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2029.
Charles F. Kettering Day is recognized
Lance also recognized Charles F. Kettering’s connection to Loudonville during Tuesday’s meeting.
She read a proclamation declaring Aug. 29, 2026, as Charles F. Kettering Day in Loudonville. The date marked the 150th anniversary of Kettering’s birth.
Kettering, also known as “Boss Ket,” was born in Loudonville in 1876 and went on to become an inventor and engineer. The proclamation honored his work with the electric cash register, automobile technology and inventions like the aerial missile and leaded gasoline.
Kettering held 186 U.S. patents during his career and was involved with Delco and General Motors.
Sue Banks, president of the Loudonville-Perrysville Alumni Association, helped organize the local recognition.
Banks worked on an event honoring Kettering for more than a year.
The celebration included a full day of activities at the Hans Building. The event featured programs highlighting Kettering’s life, work and connection to Loudonville.
“Our town’s very proud to have been a part of his life,” Lance said.
Banks also helped organize a weeklong celebration for Kettering’s 130th birthday in 2006. The birthday celebration included alumni reunions, a General Motors documentary and a portrayal of Kettering by a retired Loudonville teacher.
Kettering once said, “My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.”
His legacy continues to be part of history 150 years later.
