By KIP CHEEK

Staff writer

MENDOTA – A new police officer was sworn in and met the Mendota City Council at the council’s regular meeting on Feb. 15.

Brandon Hornung was administered the oath of office by Dave McNally of the Police & Fire Commission. Hornung joins the Mendota Police Department as a part-time officer. He is a 2005 graduate of Mendota High School. He was in the Army National Guard from 2008 to 2020 and made the rank of staff sergeant. Horning had several tours of duty overseas and won many medals. He was also a state marksmanship firearms instructor and won numerous multi-gun and handgun competitions.

Police chief Greg Kellen said Hornung is in his final stages of field training and the department hopes to have him ready to go on his own this spring.

In aldermanic reports, Jay Miller said that the Mendota Elks Lodge requested a license for the addition of one video gaming terminal. The request was approved by the council.

Jim Fitzpatrick announced a slight change to the hours of operation of the city’s incinerator burn pit. The burn pit will be open from 3-6 p.m. on Monday, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

In other items, Kellen informed council members that the police department’s K-9 vehicle is completed. The department will be getting a K-9 officer in the near future.

At the conclusion of regular business, the council held at executive session to discuss the purchase of property. No action was taken.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, March 1 at 5:30 p.m.