John Allhands was sworn-in (Tuesday) as Watseka’s new mayor. He succeeds Bob Harwood, who served two terms. Harwood did not seek re-election.

Allhands was a winner in a four-person contest April 4th. He served as Ward 4 alderman and says he’s ready to step it up and keep the city moving forward.

“A little more landscaping, green it up a bit,” is what Allhands would like to see downtown. “The Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce has done a nice job in recent years keeping the business-front looking good. Maybe a little more grooming would improve the downtown appearance.”

The mayor plans to meet with a landscape architect next month to get some ideas.

Allhands said it’s all about “generating some new energy,” he adds, all the council members have some good ideas and he’s looking forward to getting input from citizens too.

Mayor Allhands was sworn-in by Iroquois County Clerk Lisa Fancher. The mayor also praised outgoing mayor Bob Harwood and city officials for their dedication to the city’s well-being.

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