Chester mayor to be sworn in on Jan. 4

CHESTER The newly elected Chester mayor is to be sworn in on Jan. 4, his office announced.

The ceremony for Thaddeus Kirkland and City Council members Nafis Nichols, Elizabeth Williams, and City Controller Edith Kirkland is to take place at 9 a.m. in the second floor council chambers at City Hall, 1 E. Fourth St. The event is open to the public but seating is limited.

Before the swearing-in, Kirkland will hold a short reorganization meeting and is to announce some staff changes including the appointment of a new police chief, said Aigner Cleveland, a spokesperson.

Kirkland is a state representative for the 159th District. He is to resign that post shortly after he is sworn into office in Chester, Cleveland said.

After the ceremony, a luncheon is to be held for 250 invited guests at St. Luke Community Christian Church in Chester. - Mari A. Schaefer