By RANDALL ALLEN

Horizon Reporter

CELINA-Clay County High School two-sport star Nate Adams was honored and plans for paving streets here inside the city limits were discussed during the first City of Celina meeting of 2025.

The board of mayor and aldermen declared January 14 “Nate Adams Day” in honor of the Mr. Football Finalist.  Mayor Luke Collins also highlighted his athletic accomplishments other than football.

“I know coach (Rob) Edwards told me last night that you were able to reach a milestone of 1,000 points in basketball,” Collins said.  “You are not just a good football player, but a good athlete.

“We are extremely proud, I know your family is proud, your team is proud, and your community is proud.  No doubt the City of Celina is certainly proud of you for making it to the Mr. Football Finalist.”

Alderman Kenny Westmoreland made a motion to give Adams a monetary gift of $100.  Brittany Kerr seconded the motion, and it passed 3-0.

Collins then addressed the board about plans for paving the streets of the city.

“Just to give you an update, right now the only holdup is some engineering (delays) for our loan, through Rural Development, to pave all the city streets,” the mayor said. “It is taking much longer than any of us are wanting it to.”

“Is there any reasoning, is something wrong, is that what you are saying?” Westmoreland asked.

“Well the problem appears to be, more than anything, is all the engineers in the state are covered up,” Collins responded.  “It is just there is so much work, we have to fight to make sure we get the attention that we need.

“There are obviously bigger cities than us with bigger projects than ours.”

Collins explained the paving project has been in the works for a significant time period.

“We have had our paperwork turned for a long time, probably two years, but (at Rural Development) some people quit, some retire, and things happen,” he said.  “There have just been some unexpected delays, but right now the ball is in the court of the engineers.”

Collins also gave an update on the estimated cost of paving the city streets.

“To pave it, I think the estimate is $2 million or less, and I think our (annual) payment will be $142,000,” the mayor said.  “It’s a 3 or 3.5% loan, I would have to double check my figures.

“Offhand though, I think that is what it is.”

In other business, Kerr made a motion to pay the dental and vision part of city employees’ health benefits at a cost to the city of $13,178.88.  Westmoreland seconded the motion, and it passed 3-0.