HUMBOLDT — An all-male Humboldt City Council took the reins at Monday evening’s first meeting of 2026.
The Council’s former two female members, Cindy Holinsworth and Sarah Hart, did not run for re-election last November, nor did Kent Goodner.
Holinsworth had been on the Council for 12 years; Goodner for eight years and Hart for two.
Mayor Nobby Davis recognized Holinsworth and Hart, (Goodner was absent), saying that while some regard public service as a thankless job, he was there to say “thank you to my colleagues on behalf of myself and the city, because I do appreciate everything that you’ve done.”
Taking their seats for the first time are John Lassman, Doug Ames, and Tim Francis. Also sworn in was Blake McDaniel, now in his second term.
The Council has eight members and a mayor.
AMONG THEIR first actions, the Council approved raising its contribution to Thrive Allen County’s economic development arm from $17,000 to $25,000.
Camille Lavon, its director, asked for the increase at last month’s meeting, explaining the extra funds would help pay for an additional staff member. Council deferred from committing, asking for a month to consider the request.
On Monday, the vote was unanimous with little discussion, other than Lavon explaining the role economic development plays for Humboldt.
Other entities contributing to the service include Iola, $75,000; Allen County, $55,000; Thrive, $30,000, and Iola Industries, $20,000.
WEARING her hat as an animal lover, Holinsworth updated members on the new animal pound, which should be open by March.
Construction, now five days in, has resulted in “a majority of the walls are up inside, the roof is on, and they should be putting doors in next,” Holinsworth said.
The new pound will accommodate double the number of animals previously held, she said, allowing for up to 10 dogs and 20 cats.
Holinsworth stressed that donations provided 100% of the structure’s construction and that no tax dollars were used. She also thanked the city for its help in “providing a lot of the prep work,” at the site of the pound.
With Holinsworth was Sheri Modlin, who manages the pound.
A PRELIMINARY design for the soon-to-be refurbished water towers was approved. In addition to the town’s name is a big paw print and the words “Cub Nation,” signifying the school district’s mascot. The alternative design had two smaller paw prints.
The current design on the three towers says “Cub Country,” and has two small paw prints.
